Saccharomyces boulardii improves clinical and paraclinical indices in overweight/obese knee osteoarthritis patients: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: In this study, 70 patients with KOA were recruited via outpatient clinics between 2020 and 2021 and randomly assigned to receive probiotics or placebo supplements for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in pain intensity according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients completed the trial. A linear mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model analysis showed that probiotic was better than placebo in decreasing the pain intensity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) [-2.11 (-2.59, -1.62) in probiotic group and -0.90 (-1.32, -0.48) in placebo group, p = 0.002] and WOMAC pain score [-3.57 (-4.66, -2.49) in probiotic group and -1.43 (-2.33, -0.53) in placebo group, p < 0.001]. The daily intake of acetaminophen for pain management significantly decreased in the probiotic group [-267.18 (-400.47, -133.89) mg, p < 0.001] that was significantly better than placebo (p = 0.006). Probiotic significantly decreased the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) inflammatory index [-2.72 (-3.24, -2.20) µg/ml] and malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidative stress index [-1.61 (-2.11, -1.11) nmol/ml] compared to the placebo (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Probiotic was better than placebo in increasing the scores of role disorder due to physical health (p = 0.023), pain (p = 0.048) and physical health (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Probiotic S. boulardii supplementation in patients with KOA significantly improved pain intensity, some dimensions of QoL, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers with no severe side effects. TRIAL REGISTRY: Registered on the Iranian clinical trial website ( http://www.irct.ir : IRCT20161022030424N4) on 2019-09-02.

[Efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic drug in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in hospitalized patients with new coronavirus infection COVID-19].

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) CNCM I-745 probiotic drug in preventing and treating diarrhea in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted in two parallel groups. The study included males and females aged 18 to 60 with the following diagnosis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction: U07.2 Coronavirus infection COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus (grade 1-3 pneumonia according to CT scan). All patients received antibiotic therapy. The patients were subdivided into two equal groups (n=60) depending on the administration of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic drug in addition to standard treatment. The probiotic was prescribed by the attending physician; the dose was 2 capsules per day (500 mg/day) 30 min before the meal for 10 days. All patients were monitored for main clinical, laboratory, and instrumental parameters during the study. In addition, the symptom of diarrhea (stool with a frequency of more than 3 times a day of type 6 and 7 according to the Bristol stool scale), including its frequency, duration, and the number of bowel movements of loose stool per day were precisely evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: In the overall patient pool, diarrhea was reported in 21.7% of in-patients during the observation period (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.2-29.1) with a mean duration of 4.6154 days (95% CI 3.7910-5.4398). The incidence of diarrhea in group 1 was 13.3% (95% CI 4.5-22.2), and in group 2, it was 30.0% (95% CI 18.1-41.9). Relative risk showed that the use of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic drug leads to a significant reduction in the risk of diarrhea in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection receiving antibiotic therapy (odds ratio [OR] 0.3590, 95% CI 0.1421-0.9069; p=0.0303). In group 1, the duration of diarrhea was 3.1250 days (95% CI 2.5892-3.6608) versus 5.2778 days (95% CI 4.2290-6.3265) in group 2, p=0.0112. The mean daily frequency of loose stools in patients with diarrhea in group 1 was 3.2500 (95% CI 2.6588-3.8412) versus 4.3889 (95% CI 3.7252-5.0525) in group 2, p=0.0272. The secondary endpoint, duration of hospital stay, was also significantly shorter in group 1 patients - 11.6833 days (95% CI 11.2042-12.1625) versus 12.7333 days (95% CI 12.1357-13.3309) in group 2, p=0.0120. CONCLUSION: The present prospective comparative study demonstrated that adding S. boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic drug into the standard treatment regimen of patients with new coronavirus infection COVID-19 receiving antibiotic therapy helps reduce the incidence of diarrhea and its severity during hospitalization, as well as the duration of hospital stay.

Carob kibbles as an alternative raw material for production of kvass with probiotic potential.

BACKGROUND: Non-diary beverages with probiotic properties are of great interest nowadays. In this research, we evaluated the suitability of carob kibbles in the manufacture of kvass. Kvass is a low-alcohol drink popular in Central and Eastern Europe and indicated as a potential non-diary beverage with probiotic properties. Therefore, the viability of probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii during 4 weeks' storage in manufactured beverages was tested. RESULTS: Carob kibbles introduced significant amounts of phenolic compounds into kvasses, especially gallic acid (up to 117.45 ± 10.56 mg L-1 ), and improved antiradical activity up to 78% after fermentation. Moreover, fermentation efficiently reduced furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural content in samples up to 12.9% and 29.9%, respectively. Kvasses with rye malt extract possessed coffee-like, chocolate-like, roasted and caramel-like odours and a more bitter taste. Whereas kvass with carob kibbles was characterized by fruit-like odour and sweeter taste. Fermentation contributed to a creation as well as degradation of volatiles. L. plantarum exhibited higher general mortality during storage, whereas, in the case of S. boulardii, the viability was significantly higher regardless of the sample composition. CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting the use of carob kibbles for kvass production. The obtained results showed that carob kibbles can replace rye malt extract, at least partially, in the production of kvass, giving to the product added health benefits. Moreover, S. boulardii is a better choice for production of kvass with probiotic properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Effect of VSL#3 and S.Boulardii on intestinal microbiota in mice with acute colitis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of probiotics(VSL#3, S. Boulardii) on intestinal flora of mice with DDS-induced acute colitis. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were administered with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium for 5 consecutive days to develop the acute colitis model except for the blank control group. Meantime,Mice were treated with drinking water (DSS model group),VSL#3 (1.5×10(9) CFU),or S.Boulardii(5×10(7) CFU) by gavage for 7 days respectively,and mice were sacrificed 2 days after the model of colitis was established. The fecal specimens before gavage (day 0),in the middle of experiment (day 4),and the end of gavage (day 7) and the intestinal mucosa after sacrifice were collected to analyze the differences between these four groups by 16s rDNA sequencing method. Results: Compared with the DSS model group, VSL#3 group showed a decrease in disease activity index (DAI) and histological scores, and there was no significant change in the S.Boulardii group. Fecal microbiota:in the middle of experiment,the alpha diversity of DSS model group,VSL#3 group and S.Boulardii group were lower than that of the blank control group(P=0.0135,P=0.0018,P=0.0151). After the end of gavage,the diversity of the VSL#3 group was lower than that of the blank control group(P=0.025), and the difference between any other two groups was not statistically significant. Mucosa-adherent microbiota:biodiversity of DSS model group,S.Boulardii group were lower than the blank control group(P=0.031,P=0.0437),while biodiversity of VSL#3 group was higher than DSS model group and S. Boulardii group(P=0.0394, P=0.0426). Compared with the blank control group, the DSS model group showed an increase in Bacteroides and a decrease in Lactobacillus. Abundance in the genus Turicibacter and Odoribacter increased in intestinal microbiota of mice with acute colitis, while VSL#3 inhibited them. Conclusions: VSL#3 alleviates inflammation in DSS-induced colitis of mice.Both VSL#3 and S.Boulardii can affect intestinal microbiota. Compared with healthy mice,mice with colitis showed a reduced diversity of microbiota both in feces and in intestinal mucosa. VSL#3 increases biodiversity of mucosal microbiota in mice with acute colitis,while it does not increase biodiversity of fecal microbiota. Genera such as Turicibacter and Odoribacter increase in mice with acute colitis, and these genera can be inhibited by VSL#3.

Application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii in food processing: a review.

Probiotics are increasingly being added to food in order to develop products with health-promoting properties. Particularly, Saccharomyces cereviceae var. boulardii yeast is recently being investigated like a starting-culture for development of functional and probiotic foods. Although the literature is abundant on the beneficial effects of S. boulardii on health, slight information is available on the effects of supplementing this probiotic to food systems. The aim of this paper is to examine the applications of S. boulardii to different food matrices and its implication in food processing (stability, sensorial properties and other technological implications) and the concomitant effects on nutrition and health.

[Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 influences the gut-associated immune system]. / Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 beeinflusst das darmassoziierte Immunsystem.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the intestinal microbiome is increasing steadily with regard to the immune function und the defense against pathogens. The medicinal yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 (S. boulardii) has been used as probiotic for the prevention and treatment of infectious diarrhea since more than 50 years. Meta-analyses confirm the clinical efficacy of S. boulardii to treat diarrhea of various origins in children and adults. METHOD: This review article summarizes experimental studies on molecular and immunological mechanisms which explain the proven clinical efficacy of S. boulardii. Thereby the focus is on the gut-associated immune system. RESULTS: S. boulardii stimulates the release of immunoglobulins and cytokines and also induces the maturation of immune cells. This suggests that S. boulardii is capable of activating the unspecific immune system. In case of an infection, S. boulardii is able to bind pathogenic bacteria and to neutralize their toxins. Moreover, the medicinal yeast can attenuate the overreacting inflammatory immune response, by interfering with the signaling cascade, which is induced by the infection, and that way influences the innate and adaptive immune system. Thanks to these mechanisms the pathogens' potential of adhesion is lessened. Thus the intestinal epithelial layer is protected and diarrhea-induced fluid loss is reduced. CONCLUSION: The different molecular and immunological mechanisms investigated in the experimental studies prove the already confirmed very good clinical efficacy of S. boulardii in infectious diarrhea caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The establishment of Saccharomyces boulardii surface display system using a single expression vector.

In the present study, an a-agglutinin-based Saccharomyces boulardii surface display system was successfully established using a single expression vector. Based on the two protein co-expression vector pSP-G1 built by Partow et al., a S. boulardii surface display vector-pSDSb containing all the display elements was constructed. The display results of heterologous proteins were confirmed by successfully displaying enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and chicken Eimeria tenella Microneme-2 proteins (EtMic2) on the S. boulardii cell surface. The DNA sequence of AGA1 gene from S. boulardii (SbAGA1) was determined and used as the cell wall anchor partner. This is the first time heterologous proteins have been displayed on the cell surface of S. boulardii. Because S. boulardii is probiotic and eukaryotic, its surface display system would be very valuable, particularly in the development of a live vaccine against various pathogenic organisms especially eukaryotic pathogens such as protistan parasites.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the impacts of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus OF44 on intestinal flora in cerebral palsy rats: insights into inflammation biomarkers and depression-like behaviors.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a unique neurological disorder which adversely affects motion. Cytokines and gut microbial composition contribute to CP and other diseases, such as reproductive tract inflammation and bone loss. Importantly, Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) reduces the degree of inflammation and improves overall health status. As our previous study showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) OF44, a selected strain of gut bacteria originally used to treat reproductive tract inflammation and bone loss, has effects similar to that of S. boulardii, we decided to use L. rhamnosus OF44 on CP rats. Validation of the effects of L. rhamnosus OF44 on CP adds to its confirmed effects in treating osteoporosis and reproductive tract microbiota disorders, increasing its potential as a probiotic. The purpose of this was to ascertain whether L. rhamnosus OF44 can alleviate the symptoms of CP. Methods: CP rat models were created through left carotid artery ligation. Following this, 100-day old CP rats were exposed to L. rhamnosus OF44, S. boulardii, or normal saline gastric gavage daily for 28 days. Grouping of the rats is determined randomly. Before and after the gavage, behavioral experiments were conducted and the inflammation levels assessed via measurements of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inflammatory markers. The efficacy of the outcome is measured by performing statistical analysis like the t-test on the data to see its significance. Additionally, variations inside gut microbiome were evaluated via 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Results: Before intervention, CP rats failed to exhibit depression-like behavior (P=0.6). L. rhamnosus OF44 treatment significantly reduced the level of IL-6 (P=4.8e-05), S. boulardii treatment significantly reduced the level of TNF-α (P=0.04). In addition, both treatments altered the composition and complexity of the gut microbiome. Conclusions: Our results indicated that L. rhamnosus OF44 has potential in alleviating inflammation and altering the gut microbial composition in CP, and that it has the potential to clinically treat CP. There are some limitations of this study. For example, dietary differences and their effects on gastrointestinal dysfunction are not considered in this study, and only two behavioral experiments were used.

The efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in addition to antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a single-center, prospective randomized-control study.

Background: We previously reported that antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy was safe and effective for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. It is not clear whether the addition of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy can improve the eradication rate of H. pylori and reduce adverse events. Objective: To investigate the effect of adding S. boulardii to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy on the eradication rate of H. pylori and the adverse events. Design: Single-center, prospective randomized controlled study. Methods: A total of 172 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to the test and control groups. Patients in the control group (n = 86) received antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 days. On this basis, cases in the test group (n = 86) received S. boulardii 500 mg b.i.d. The eradication rate of H. pylori and adverse events were observed 4 weeks after the treatment. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the eradication rates of H. pylori and frequency of diarrhea between the test group and control group (p > 0.05). The duration of diarrhea in the test group was significantly shorter than in the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the two groups exhibited similar adverse event rates for epigastric pain, abdominal distention, dizzy, vomiting, and rash (p > 0.05). The severity of adverse reactions was similar between the two groups (p > 0.05), and most of them had mild adverse events. Conclusion: Although the addition of S. boulardii to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy could not improve the eradication rate of H. pylori, it could shorten the time of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200056931.

Modulation of the Altered Intestinal Microbiota by Use of Antibiotics with a Novel Synbiotic on Wistar Rats.

The use of antibiotics unbalances the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are alternatives for these unbalances. The effects of a new synbiotic composed of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and fructans from Agave salmiana (fAs) as prebiotics were assessed to modulate the intestinal microbiota. Two probiotic presentations, the commercial probiotic (CP) and the microencapsulated probiotic (MP) to improve those effects, were used to prepare the synbiotics and feed Wistar rats subjected to antibiotics (AB). Eight groups were studied, including five controls and three groups to modulate the microbiota after the use of antibiotics: G5: AB + MP-synbiotic, G6: AB + CP-synbiotic, and G8: AB + fAs. All treatments were administered daily for 7 days. On days 7 and 21, euthanasia was performed, cecum tissue was recovered and used to evaluate histological analysis and to study microphotograph by TEM, and finally, bacterial DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene metabarcode sequencing was performed. Histological analysis showed less epithelial damage and more abundance of the intestinal microbiota in the groups G5, G6, and G8 in comparison with the AB control group after 7 days. Microphotograph of the cecum at 2 weeks post treatment showed that G5 and G6 presented beneficial effects in epithelial reconstruction. Interestingly, in the groups that used the synbiotic without AB (G3 and G4) in addition to contributing to the recovery of the autochthonous microbiota, it promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms; those results were also achieved in the groups that used the synbiotic with AB enhancing the bacterial diversity and regulating the impact of AB.

Investigation of the potential roles of adipose stem cells and substances of natural origin in the healing process of E. coli infected wound model in Rats.

Skin infections by pathogenic microorganisms are a serious problem due to the potential of dissemination through the bloodstream to various organs causing toxic effects that may be up to mortality. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most predominant Gram-negative bacterial species present globally with great attention for investigation. The current study is designed to investigate the possible role of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), as well as natural products such as Trichoderma viride (T. viride) extract, Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) solution in the enhancement of wound healing process in the infected skin with E. coli. Ninety-six female rats were divided into 8 groups (12 animal/group): normal skin, wounded skin, wounded skin infected with E. coli, infected-wounded skin treated by ADSCs, infected-wounded skin treated by T. viride extract, infected-wounded skin treated by S. boulardii solution, infected-wounded skin treated a combination of treatments, infected-wounded skin treated by gentamicin. At day 21 animal weights and bacterial count were detected and compared. Animals were sacrificed and skin from various groups was investigated using a light microscope for sections stained by (hematoxylin eosin, Masson trichrome, and PCNA) as well as transmission electron microscopy. Pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF- α, and IL-13), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4), and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase) were assessed in various groups revealing that ADSCs lightly shift levels of these parameters in various rat groups to regular levels, while administration of T. viride extract, S. boulardii solution, their combination with ADSCs and gentamicin treatment drive the tested cytokines and enzymes to significant levels similar to a normal level where combination therapy gave the best result. The current findings revealed the possibility of using certain natural products as possible substitutes to regularly applied antibiotics with successive protective results in the wound infection model.

Cold Exposure and Oral Delivery of GLP-1R Agonists by an Engineered Probiotic Yeast Strain Have Antiobesity Effects in Mice.

Advanced microbiome therapeutics (AMTs) holds promise in utilizing engineered microbes such as bacteria or yeasts for innovative therapeutic applications, including the in situ delivery of therapeutic peptides. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, such as Exendin-4, have emerged as potential treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, current administration methods face challenges with patient adherence and low oral bioavailability. To address these limitations, researchers are exploring improved oral delivery methods for Exendin-4, including utilizing AMTs. This study engineered the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to produce Exendin-4 (Sb-Exe4) in the gastrointestinal tract of male C57BL/6 mice to combat diet-induced obesity. The biological efficiency of Exendin-4 secreted by S. boulardii was analyzed ex vivo on isolated pancreatic islets, demonstrating induced insulin secretion. The in vivo characterization of Sb-Exe4 revealed that when combined with cold exposure (8 °C), the Sb-Exe4 yeast strain successfully suppressed appetite by 25% and promoted a 4-fold higher weight loss. This proof of concept highlights the potential of AMTs to genetically modify S. boulardii for delivering active therapeutic peptides in a precise and targeted manner. Although challenges in efficacy and regulatory approval persist, AMTs may provide a transformative platform for personalized medicine. Further research in AMTs, particularly focusing on probiotic yeasts such as S. boulardii, holds great potential for novel therapeutic possibilities and enhancing treatment outcomes in diverse metabolic disorders.

Biocontainment strategies for in vivo applications of Saccharomyces boulardii.

The human gastrointestinal tract is a complex and dynamic environment, playing a crucial role in human health. Microorganisms engineered to express a therapeutic activity have emerged as a novel modality to manage numerous diseases. Such advanced microbiome therapeutics (AMTs) must be contained within the treated individual. Hence safe and robust biocontainment strategies are required to prevent the proliferation of microbes outside the treated individual. Here we present the first biocontainment strategy for a probiotic yeast, demonstrating a multi-layered strategy combining an auxotrophic and environmental-sensitive strategy. We knocked out the genes THI6 and BTS1, causing thiamine auxotrophy and increased sensitivity to cold, respectively. The biocontained Saccharomyces boulardii showed restricted growth in the absence of thiamine above 1 ng/ml and exhibited a severe growth defect at temperatures below 20°C. The biocontained strain was well tolerated and viable in mice and demonstrated equal efficiency in peptide production as the ancestral non-biocontained strain. In combination, the data support that thi6∆ and bts1∆ enable biocontainment of S. boulardii, which could be a relevant chassis for future yeast-based AMTs.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based metabolomics and chemometric analyses for green tea fermented with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299V.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to analyse the non-volatile components of green teas fermented with probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The flavone glycosides in yeast-fermented and stored tea decreased significantly, together with the increases of flavone aglycones and other simple flavone glycosides. LAB-fermented tea presented different flavone glycoside profiles; in which, both C-glycosides and O-glycosides decreased and the flavone aglycones were further degraded. The profiles of flavone glycosides and aglycones in co-cultured tea differed from that in yeast- or LAB-fermented tea; less glycosides were degraded but a greater number of aglycones were produced. Two unique LAB metabolites with bioactive and antifungal properties, D-phenyllactic acid (PLA) and p-OH-PLA, were found in both L. plantarum and co-cultured teas, and the co-fermentation showed a synergic effect on the production of these two compounds that would enhance the quality and preservation of fermented teas.

Detoxification of aflatoxin M1 by probiotics Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in reconstituted milk.

Aim: The current study aimed to remove aflatoxin from reconstituted milk by adding three probiotics, namely Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Background: Aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain kinds of fungi that are found naturally all over the world. They can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock. Microbial detoxification is one method of eliminating aflatoxins, including aflatoxin M1. Methods: For this purpose, about 109 and 107 cfu/ml of S. boulardii, L. casei, and L. acidophilus were inoculated into skim milk without aflatoxin M1. The samples were then spiked by aflatoxin M1 in concentrations of 0.5 and 0.75 ng/ml. The concentration of the aflatoxin residing in supernatant of milk samples after different storage times (30 and 90 minutes) and temperatures of 4 ℃ and 37 °C was measured by ELISA method, and the results were confirmed by HPLC. Results: The results showed that the highest amount of aflatoxin M1 removal was related to S. boulardii (96.88 ± 3.79c) with a microbial density concentration of 109 cfu/ml and toxin concentration of 0.75 ng/ml at 37 °C for 90 minutes and then to L. acidophilus (71.46 ± 3.79b) with a microbial density concentration of 107 cfu/ml and toxin concentration 0.75 ng/ml at 4 °C for 90 minutes. Furthermore, the maximum level of AFM1 binding to 107 cfu/ml of L. casei with average binding percentages of 64.31 ± 3/79c was 0.75 ng/ml at 37 °C for 90 minutes. Conclusion: The results revealed the possibility of using S. boulardii in combination with the selected probiotics of L. casei and L. acidophilus in the detoxification of AFM1-contaminated milk.

Saccharomyces boulardii ameliorates gut dysbiosis associated cognitive decline.

Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast is well prescribed for various gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by gut dysbiosis such as inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial diarrhea and antibiotic associated diarrhea. Gut dysbiosis has been associated with central nervous system via gut brain axis primarily implied in the modulation of psychiatric conditions. In the current study we use Saccharomyces boulardii as a therapeutic agent against gut dysbiosis associated cognitive decline. In mice, gut dysbiosis was induced by oral Ampicillin Na (250 mg/kg twice-daily) for 14 days. While in the treatment group S. boulardii (90 mg/kg once a day) was administered orally for 21 days along with 14 days of antibiotic treatment. Gene expression studies revealed antibiotic mediated decrease in the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes and Clostridium which were restored by S. boulardii treatment. Cognitive behavioral studies showed a parallel reduction in fear conditioning, spatial as well as recognition memory which were reversed upon S. boulardii treatment in these animals. S. boulardii treatment reduced myeloperoxidase enzyme, an inflammatory marker, in colon as well as brain which was increased after antibiotic administration. Similarly, S. boulardii reduced the brain acetylcholine esterase, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which were altered due to antibiotic treatment. S. boulardii treatment also protected hippocampal neuronal damage and restored villus length and crypt depth thus normalizing gut permeability in antibiotic treated animals. Hence, we conclude that S. boulardii prevented antibiotic associated gut dysbiosis leading to reduced intestinal and brain inflammation and oxidative stress thus preventing hippocampal neuronal damage and eventually reversing gut dysbiosis associate cognitive decline in mice.

Use of Probiotics in the Management of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in Nigerian Children: How Effective are S. Boulardii only Preparations?

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases are a major cause of death worldwide particularly among under-fives and probiotics is used in the management of diarrheal diseases. While some probiotics are of unproven usefulness, others are. Despite the burden of diarrhoea diseases in Africa, there is paucity of studies to support the efficacy or otherwise of S. boulardii among children with diarrheal disease. This study examined the impact of S. boulardii on the clinical course of acute watery diarrhea in children in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: Two hundred and fifty under-five children with acute watery diarrhoea were recruited and treated in the hospital. One hundred and twenty-five were given probiotics (S. boulardii) in addition to Oral Rehydration solution (ORS), zincand antibiotics while the other one hundred and twenty-five were noton probiotics (Controls). Their stool frequency on the 3rd and 5th day and the duration of the diarrhea, were used to assess outcome. Information was obtained using a questionnaire and then analysed. Result: Majority of the children (58.8%) were at their second half of infancy (7-12 months). The average number of diarrheal episodes was significantly lower among the subjects by the 3rd day of intervention (t = 2.496, p = 0.013) but not by the 5th day (t = 0.212; p = 0.832). Duration of diarrhea, however, was not significantly different between the subjects and controls (p = 0.246). Conclusion: S. Boulardiionly probiotic preparations reduce the number of diarrhoeal episodes but not the duration of diarrhea among under- 5s.

Effects of Different Probiotics on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Oxidative Status, and Gut Health in Laying Hens.

With recent bans on the growth-promoting use of antibiotics, alternative strategies are needed to improve the performance of agricultural animals. Here, the effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum and a combination of Saccharomyces boulardii and Pediococcus acidilactici were assessed on laying performance, egg quality, oxidative status, and gut health in laying hens. A total of 8208 Lohmann pink laying hens were divided into 3 treatment groups, with each group replicated 12 times (n = 228). Hens in the control group (CON) were provided a basic diet devoid of added antibiotics and probiotics. Treatment group 1 (T1) received the same base diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg C. butyricum, and the diets of treatment group 2 (T2) supplemented with S. boulardii (0.05 g/kg) and P. acidilactici (0.1 g/kg) for the entirety of the 5-week trial. The data indicated that C. butyricum supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in ADFI, a significant increase in feed conversion, eggshell strength, and the CP% of albumen (dry matter, DM) relative to CON. The probiotic-treated hens exhibited decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ileum and cecum, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with C. butyricum may be beneficial with respect to hen performance, egg quality, and gut health.

Enterobacteriaceae are essential for the modulation of colitis severity by fungi.

BACKGROUND: Host-microbe balance maintains intestinal homeostasis and strongly influences inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Here we focused on bacteria-fungi interactions and their implications on intestinal inflammation, a poorly understood area. METHODS: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was assessed in mice treated with vancomycin (targeting gram-positive bacteria) or colistin (targeting Enterobacteriaceae) and supplemented with either Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 or Candida albicans. Inflammation severity as well as bacterial and fungal microbiota compositions was monitored. RESULTS: While S. boulardii improved DSS-induced colitis and C. albicans worsened it in untreated settings, antibiotic treatment strongly modified DSS susceptibility and effects of fungi on colitis. Vancomycin-treated mice were fully protected from colitis, while colistin-treated mice retained colitis phenotype but were not affected anymore by administration of fungi. Antibacterial treatments not only influenced bacterial populations but also had indirect effects on fungal microbiota. Correlations between bacterial and fungal relative abundance were dramatically decreased in colistin-treated mice compared to vancomycin-treated and control mice, suggesting that colistin-sensitive bacteria are involved in interactions with fungi. Restoration of the Enterobacteriaceae population by administrating colistin-resistant Escherichia coli reestablished both beneficial effects of S. boulardii and pathogenic effects of C. albicans on colitis severity. This effect was at least partly mediated by an improved gut colonization by fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal colonization of the gut is affected by the Enterobacteriaceae population, indirectly modifying effects of mycobiome on the host. This finding provides new insights into the role of inter-kingdom functional interactions in intestinal physiopathology and potentially in IBD.

Oral administration of Saccharomyces boulardii alters duodenal morphology, enzymatic activity and cytokine production response in broiler chickens.

The present study evaluated the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on duodenal digestive enzymes, morphology and cytokine induction response in broiler chicken. A total of 200 birds were allotted into two groups (n = 100) and each group divided into five replications (n = 20). The control group was fed basal diet in addition to antibiotic (virginiamycin 20 mg/kg), and treatment group received (1 × 108  colony-forming units/kg feed) S. boulardii in addition to basal diet lasting for 72 days. The results compared to control group revealed that adenosine triphosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, lipase and trypsin activities were higher, while, no significant improvement was observed in amylase activities in the duodenum of the treatment group. Moreover, morphological findings showed that villus height, width and number of goblet cells markedly increased. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy visualized that villus height, width and structural condensation significantly increased in the treatment group. The immunohistological observations showed increased numbers of immunoglobulin A (IgA)-positive cells in the duodenum of the treatment group. Meanwhile, cytokine production levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-ß and secretory IgA markedly increased, and IL-6 statistically remained unchanged as compared to the control group. These findings illustrated that initial contact of S. boulardii to the duodenum has significant impact in improving enzymatic activity, intestinal morphology and cytokine response in broiler chicken.