Growth stimulation of Bifidobacterium from human colon using daikenchuto in an in vitro model of human intestinal microbiota.

Daikenchuto (DKT) is a Japanese traditional herbal (Kampo) medicine containing ginseng, processed ginger, and Japanese or Chinese pepper. We aimed to determine how DKT affects human colonic microbiota. An in vitro microbiota model was established using fecal inocula collected from nine healthy volunteers, and each model was found to retain operational taxonomic units similar to the ones in the original human fecal samples. DKT was added to the in vitro microbiota model culture at a concentration of 0.5% by weight. Next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed a significant increase in the relative abundance of bacteria related to the Bifidobacterium genus in the model after incubation with DKT. In pure cultures, DKT significantly promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, but not that of Fusobacterium nucleatum or Escherichia coli. Additionally, in pure cultures, B. adolescentis transformed ginsenoside Rc to Rd, which was then probably utilized for its growth. Our study reveals the in vitro bifidogenic effect of DKT that likely contributes to its beneficial effects on the human colon.

Dietary Supplementation with Sugar Beet Fructooligosaccharides and Garlic Residues Promotes Growth of Beneficial Bacteria and Increases Weight Gain in Neonatal Lambs.

The proper development of the early gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota is critical for newborn ruminants. This microbiota is susceptible to modification by diverse external factors (such as diet) that can lead to long-lasting results when occurring in young ruminants. Dietary supplementation with prebiotics, ingredients nondigestible and nonabsorbable by the host that stimulate the growth of beneficial GIT bacteria, has been applied worldwide as a potential approach in order to improve ruminant health and production yields. However, how prebiotics affect the GIT microbiota during ruminants' early life is still poorly understood. We investigated the effect of milk supplementation with a combination of two well-known prebiotics, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) from sugar beet and garlic residues (all together named as "additive"), exerted on preweaned lamb growth and the composition of their fecal microbiota, by using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing. The results showed a significant increase in the mean daily weight gain of lambs fed with the additive. Lamb fecal microbiota was also influenced by the additive intake, as additive-diet lambs showed lower bacterial diversity and were significantly more abundant in Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Veillonella. These bacteria have been previously reported to confer beneficial properties to the ruminant, including promotion of growth and health status, and our results showed that they were strongly linked to the additive intake and the increased weight gain of lambs. This study points out the combination of FOS from sugar beet and garlic residues as a potential prebiotic to be used in young ruminants' nutrition in order to improve production yields.

In vitro fermentation potential of the residue of Korean red ginseng root in a mixed culture of swine faecal bacteria.

Agricultural by-products such as the ginseng residue contain dietary fibre. This study was aimed at investigating the intestinal fermentation potential of the residue of Korean red ginseng root using an in vitro simulator of the colon using swine fecal bacteria. pH-Controlled glass fermentors were used to conduct a small scale in vitro batch fermentation under anaerobic conditions for 48 h. One of the following substrates was included in each fermentor: commercial cellulose (CEL), xylooligosaccharide (XOS), and crude ginseng-insoluble fibre (CGF). The pH was lower (p < 0.05) and the production of total short chain fatty acid was increased (p < 0.05) in the XOS and CGF groups compared with the CEL group after 6 h of incubation. The α-diversity analysis of the microbial community at 48 h showed that the number of bacterial species was (p < 0.05) reduced in the XOS and CGF groups compared with that in the CEL group. ß-Diversity of the microbial population at 48 h showed that all groups were clustered differently. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella in the CGF group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in the CEL and XOS groups. Ammonia nitrogen production in the XOS and CGF groups was (p < 0.05) lower after 6 h of incubation, and skatole production in the CGF group was (p < 0.05) lower at 48 h than that in the CEL group. These results suggested that the ginseng residue might be fermentable in the large intestine and thus would promote the maintenance of a healthy colonic environment in the host.

Comparison of the prebiotic properties of native chicory and synthetic inulins using swine fecal cultures.

Inulin-type fructans are known to exert different effects on the fermentation profile depending on the average and range of the degree of polymerization (DP). Here, swine fecal cultures were used to investigate the prebiotic properties of native chicory inulin (NIN), extracted from the chicory root, and synthetic inulin (SIN), which has a narrower DP distribution than NIN. Both NIN and SIN showed prebiotic effects, but NIN exhibited a significant decrease in pH and increase in the production of propionate and butyrate compared to SIN. There were also differences in the production of succinate and lactate, the precursors of propionate and butyrate, and the relative abundance of associated genes. Furthermore, NIN induced the growth of certain species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus more strongly than SIN. These results suggest that NIN and SIN exhibit different prebiotic properties due to differences in DP, and that NIN might be more beneficial to host health.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Granules Dose-Dependently Balance Intestinal Microbiome Disorders and Ameliorate Chronic Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury.

As the functions of Lactobacilli become better understood, there are increasing numbers of applications for Lactobacillus products. Previously, we have demonstrated that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can prevent alcoholic liver injury. LGG granules were produced by fluid bed granulation with a media composed of starch, skimmed milk powder, whey powder, microcrystalline cellulose and maltose, and LGG fermented liquid that comprised 30-50% of the total weight. We found LGG granules dose-dependently protected against chronic alcoholic liver disease. When alcohol was consumed for 8 weeks with LGG treatment during the last 2 weeks, we demonstrated that the dose dependence of LGG granules can improve alcohol-induced liver injury through decreasing the levels of lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum and prevent liver steatosis by suppressing triglyceride, free fatty acid, and malondialdehyde production in liver. Alcohol feeding caused a decline in the number of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with a proportional increase in the number of Clostridium perfringens in ileum, and expansion of the Gram-negative bacteria Proteobacteria, Campylobacterales, and Helicobacter in cecum. However, LGG granule treatment restored the content of these microorganisms. In conclusion, LGG granule supplementation can improve the intestinal microbiota, reduce the number of gram-negative bacteria, and ameliorate alcoholic liver injury.

Seven-day Green Tea Supplementation Revamps Gut Microbiome and Caecum/Skin Metabolome in Mice from Stress.

Green tea supplementation has beneficial health effects. However, its underlying mechanisms, such as effects on modulating the intestinal microbiome and endogenous metabolome, particularly following short-term supplementation, are largely unclear. We conducted an integrative metabolomics study to evaluate the effects of short-term (7-day) supplementation of green tea extract (GTE) or its components, epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, and theanine, on the caecum microbiota and caecum/skin metabolome in mice. Further, we established an integrative metabolome-microbiome model for correlating gut and skin findings. The effects of short-term supplementation with dietary compounds were evaluated with respect to UV stress response, with GTE showing the most remarkable effects. Biplot analysis revealed that Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus spp. were considerably influenced by short-term GTE supplementation, while Clostridium butyricum was significantly increased by UV stress without supplementation. GTE supplementation helped the skin metabolome defend against UV stress. Interestingly, a significant positive correlation was observed between caecum bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus spp.) and metabolites including skin barrier function-related skin metabolites, caecal fatty acids, and caecal amino acids. Overall, 7-day GTE supplementation was sufficient to alter the gut microbiota and endogenous caecum/skin metabolome, with positive effects on UV stress response, providing insight into the mechanism of the prebiotic effects of GTE supplementation.

Depolymerized RG-I-enriched pectin from citrus segment membranes modulates gut microbiota, increases SCFA production, and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Faecalibaculum spp.

Rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I)-enriched pectin (WRP) was recovered from citrus processing water by sequential acid and alkaline treatments in a previous study. RG-I-enriched pectin was proposed as a potential supplement for functional food and pharmaceutical development. However, previous studies illustrated that favorable modulations of gut microbiota by RG-I-enriched pectin were based on in vitro changes in the overall microbial structure and the question of whether there is a structure-dependent modulation of gut microbiota remains largely enigmatic. In the present study, modulations of gut microbiota by commercial pectin (CP), WRP and its depolymerized fraction (DWRP) with different RG-I contents and Mw were compared in vivo. It was revealed by 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing that WRP and DWRP mainly composed of RG-I modulated the gut microbiota in a positive way. DWRP significantly increased the abundance of prebiotic such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., while WRP increased SCFAs producers including species in Ruminococcaceae family. By maintaining a more balanced gut microbiota composition and enriching some SCFA producers, dietary WRP and DWRP also elevated the SCFA content in the colon. Collectively, our findings offer new insights into the structure-activity correlation of citrus pectin and provide impetus towards the development of RG-I-enriched pectin with small molecular weight for specific use in health-promoting prebiotic ingredients and therapeutic products.

Tea Compounds and the Gut Microbiome: Findings from Trials and Mechanistic Studies.

In recent years, the gut microbiome has become a focal point of interest with growing recognition that a well-balanced gut microbiota composition is highly relevant to an individual's health status and well-being. Its profile can be modulated by a number of dietary factors, although few publications have focused on the effects of what we drink. The present review performed a systematic review of trials and mechanistic studies examining the effects of tea consumption, its associated compounds and their effects on the gut microbiome. Registered articles were searched up to 10th September 2019, in the PubMed and Cochrane library databases along with references of original articles. Human trials were graded using the Jadad scale to assess quality. Altogether 24 publications were included in the main review-six were human trials and 18 mechanistic studies. Of these, the largest body of evidence related to green tea with up to 1000 mL daily (4-5 cups) reported to increase proportions of Bifidobacterium. Mechanistic studies also show promise suggesting that black, oolong, Pu-erh and Fuzhuan teas (microbially fermented 'dark tea') can modulate microbial diversity and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. These findings appear to support the hypothesis that tea ingestion could favourably regulate the profile of the gut microbiome and help to offset dysbiosis triggered by obesity or high-fat diets. Further well-designed human trials are now required to build on provisional findings.

Extraction and Characterization of Inulin-Type Fructans from Artichoke Wastes and Their Effect on the Growth of Intestinal Bacteria Associated with Health.

Globe artichoke is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. In this study, the effect of ultrasound in combination with ethanol precipitation to enhance the extraction of long chain fructans from artichoke wastes has been evaluated. The inulin-type fructans content both from bracts and stems was measured using an enzymatic fructanase-based assay, while its average degree of polymerization (DP) was determined by HPLC-RID analysis. Results show that this method provides artichoke extracts with an inulin-type fructans content of 70% with an average DP between 32 and 42 both in bracts and in stems. The prebiotic effect of long chain inulins from artichoke extract wastes was demonstrated by its ability to support the growth of five Lactobacillus and four Bifidobacterium species, previously characterized as probiotics. Besides, we considered the possibility to industrialize the process developing a simpler method for the production of inulin-type fructans from the artichoke wastes so that the artichoke inulin preparation could be suitable for its use in synbiotic formulations in combination with different probiotics for further studies including in vivo trials.

Prophylactic effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium spp. in the resolution of inflammation in arthritic rats.

In the present study, the modulatory effects of bifidobacterial spp. (Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671, Bifidobacterium longum NCIM 5672 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIM 5697) on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats were evaluated. Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting 250 µg of Freund's adjuvant directly into the paw. Fifteen days before and 15 days after the induction of arthritis, suspended cultures of bifidobacteria (109 cfu/ml) were administered by oral gavage. Paw volume, bone mineral content, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, eicosanoids and expression of COX2, as well as bone hydrolytic enzymes, were assessed by RT PCR. Although piroxicam-treated groups (drug control) had better effects than bifidobacteria-treated groups, bifidobacteria probiotics administration exhibited significant (P < 0.05) prophylactic effects in terms of downregulating arthritis markers. Parameters including paw volume, bone mineral content, cytokines, and eicosanoids level were significantly (p < 0.05) modulated in bifidobacteria administered groups compared to arthritic control group. Among the three strains tested, B. breve NCIM 5671 exhibited superior prophylactic effects as assessed in the experimental rat model of arthritis. In conclusion, bifidobacteria probiotics administration can downregulate the markers of arthritis and hence can be a potential therapeutic regimen in the treatment of arthritis.

Putrescine enhances intestinal immune function and regulates intestinal bacteria in weaning piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of putrescine on the immune function and intestinal bacteria of weaning piglets. Twenty-four male castrated weaning piglets on their 21st day were randomly assigned into four groups: control (basal diet) and treatment groups given basal diets supplemented with 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15% putrescine for 11 days. Results were as follows: (1) Dietary putrescine increased the villus height, width, height/crypt depth and surface area, and decreased the diarrhea index (P < 0.05). (2) Dietary putrescine increased the lysozyme and acid phosphatase activities and the amount of immunoglobulin M, antibacterial peptides, and transforming growth factor ß1, but decreased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (P < 0.05). (3) Dietary putrescine increased the mRNA expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin, signal transducer and activator of transcription, and Janus kinase 2 but decreased the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 (P < 0.05). (4) Dietary putrescine increased the population of total bacteria, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium and decreased that of Escherichia coli in the colon and cecum (P < 0.05). (5) Finally, dietary putrescine increased the concentrations of butyrate and total volatile fatty acids in the colon and those of acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acids in the cecum (P < 0.05). Overall, putrescine can enhance intestinal development, improve immune functions, and regulate the population of intestinal bacteria in weaning piglets.

Turmeric Extract: Potential Use as a Prebiotic and Anti-Inflammatory Compound?

Prebiotics are regarded as the non-digestible food constituents that are selectively consumed by health-promoting bacteria (probiotics). In fact, a number of active metabolites is released due to intensive interaction between prebiotics and probiotics in the gut which exert local and systemic beneficial effects including regulation of intestinal disorders and modulation of host immunity. Turmeric is one of the most important medicinal herbaceous that is derived from Curcuma longa rhizome. Curcumin is a well-recognized component of turmeric which contributes to the prevention of multiple inflammatory diseases. Despite curcumin as a well-known compound, few researches have focused on the turmeric extract (TE) and its potential as prebiotic and anti-inflammatory compound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prebiotic potential and some functional-structural properties of TE. The Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of TE showed identical peaks that belonged to ß configuration in pyranose and glycosidic bonds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of potent phenolic and flavonoid anti-oxidants and curcuminoids, and some functional monosaccharides. TE demonstrated excellent resistance to artificial human gastric and intestine juice compared to the standard prebiotic (inulin) (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, our time course experiment showed that TE not only is digested by probiotics including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis BB12, but also supports the growth of these bacteria even after 72 h (p ≤ 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating prebiotic potential of TE and exploring its suppressive effects on LPS induced IL-8 production in HT29-19A cell line.

A decrease in iron availability to human gut microbiome reduces the growth of potentially pathogenic gut bacteria; an in vitro colonic fermentation study.

Iron supplements are widely consumed; however most of the iron is not absorbed and enters the colon where potentially pathogenic bacteria can utilise it for growth. This study investigated the effect of iron availability on human gut microbial composition and function using an in vitro colonic fermentation model inoculated with faecal microbiota from healthy adult donors, as well as examining the effect of iron on the growth of individual gut bacteria. Batch fermenters were seeded with fresh faecal material and supplemented with the iron chelator, bathophenanthroline disulphonic acid (BPDS). Samples were analysed at regular intervals to assess impact on the gut bacterial communities. The growth of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium was significantly impaired when cultured independently in iron-deficient media. In contrast, depletion of iron did not affect the growth of the beneficial species, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, when cultured independently. Analysis of the microbiome composition via 16S-based metataxonomics indicated that under conditions of iron chelation, the relative abundance decreased for several taxa, including a 10% decrease in Escherichia and a 15% decrease in Bifidobacterium. Metabolomics analysis using 1 H-NMR indicated that the production of SCFAs was reduced under iron-limited conditions. These results support previous studies demonstrating the essentiality of iron for microbial growth and metabolism, but, in addition, they indicate that iron chelation changes the gut microbiota profile and influences human gut microbial homeostasis through both compositional and functional changes.

Role of Probiotic Mixture with and Without Green Tea Extract in Prevention of Hepatorenal Syndrome in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a major public health problem in which both liver and kidney dysfunctions are encountered. The present research aimed to investigate the beneficial use of micro-encapsulated probiotic alone (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Streptococcus thermophilus mixture) or with green tea alcohol extract in HRS model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flavonoids content and in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract were assessed. The animal experiment consisted of 4 groups; control healthy, control with HRS and two test groups with HRS and treated with either the encapsulated probiotic mixture alone or with green tea extract. After 3 weeks; urinary creatinine was determined in 24 h rat urine samples. Colonic microbiota was assessed in faeces. Plasma malondialdehyde, nitrite, C-reactive protein, creatinine, uric acid, urea and the activity of transaminases, catalase (CAT) and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE-1) were determined with calculation of creatinine clearance. RESULTS: Results showed significant increase in all biochemical parameters of HRS control except for ACE-1, CAT and creatinine clearance that experienced significant reduction along with dysbiosis compared to healthy control. Test groups showed improvement in all biochemical parameters with superiority to probiotic-green tea extract combination. Both treatments produced significant increase in fecal B. bifidum, S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus and reduction of Staphylococci and Coliform. The effect of probiotic-green tea extract combination was more pronounced concerning the last three. Flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the extract were 1.325±0.01 mg quercetin/g and 98±1.66%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Administration of micro-encapsulated probiotic with or without alcohol green tea extract exerted significant prevention of HRS in rat with superiority to probiotic-green tea extract combination.

Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on fecal characteristics, nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-products, fecal microbial populations, immune function, and diet palatability in adult dogs1.

Yeast products may serve as functional ingredients due to their benefits on host health but vary greatly in source, composition, and functionality, justifying research in host species of interest. In this study, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) was investigated as a dietary supplement for adult dogs. Adult female beagles (n = 12; mean age = 3.3 ± 0.8 yr; mean BW = 10.3 ± 0.68 kg) were fed the same diet, but supplemented with three levels of SCFP (125, 250, and 500 mg/d) or a placebo (sucrose) via gelatin capsules in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Fecal samples for nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics and microbial populations as well as blood samples for immune indices were collected after a 21-d adaptation phase in each period. A separate palatability test was conducted to examine palatability of an SCFP-containing diet (0.2% of diet). All data, except for palatability data, were analyzed by Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4). A paired t-test was conducted to analyze data from the palatability test. Supplementation of SCFP did not affect total tract apparent macronutrient and energy digestibilities or fecal characteristics. Fecal phenol and total phenol + indole concentrations decreased linearly with SCFP dosage (P < 0.05). Relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was greater (P < 0.05), while Fusobacterium was lower (P < 0.05) in SCFP-supplemented dogs. Total white blood cell counts were decreased by SCFP (P < 0.05). The percentage of natural killer cells and antigen-presenting cells were not altered by SCFP. However, when comparing control vs. all SCFP treatments, SCFP-supplemented dogs had greater (P < 0.05) major histocompatibility complex class II presenting B cell and monocyte populations than control dogs. IFN-γ secreting helper and cytotoxic T cells increased linearly with SCFP consumption (P < 0.05). Immune cells derived from SCFP-supplemented dogs produced less (P < 0.05) TNF-α than those from control dogs when cells were stimulated with agonists of toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, and 7/8. A linear increase (P < 0.05) in serum IgE with SCFP dosage was noted. In the palatability test, a 1.9:1 consumption ratio was observed for the SCFP-containing diet vs. control diet, demonstrating a preference (P < 0.05) for SCFP. Results of this study suggest that SCFP supplementation may be beneficial to adult dogs by positively altering gut microbiota, enhancing immune capacity and reducing inflammation.

Effect of Daily Consumption of Orange Juice on the Levels of Blood Glucose, Lipids, and Gut Microbiota Metabolites: Controlled Clinical Trials.

Ingestion of bioactive compounds, such as hesperidin and naringin, found in citrus fruits and orange juice, can improve the homeostasis of gut microbiota. A controlled clinical study with temporal series intergroup design with 10 apparently healthy women (28.5 ± 8.4 years, 24.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were evaluated after continuous consumption of commercial pasteurized orange juice for 2 months. Samples of blood serum and stool were collected at basal time and periodically during the experiment for biochemical and microbiology assays. Intestinal microbiota was evaluated for total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Clostridium spp. An independent culture evaluation was performed using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). The pH, ammonium (NH4+), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were evaluated for microbial metabolism. The results showed that daily intake of orange juice did not change women's body composition, but improved blood biochemical parameters, such as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, glucose, and insulin sensitivity. Orange juice positively modulated the composition and metabolic activity of microbiota, increasing the population of fecal Bifidobacterium spp. and lactobacillus spp. Polymerase chain reaction-DGGE of microbiota showed similar composition of total bacteria, and microbial metabolism showed a reduction of ammonia and an increase of the production of SCFAs. These results suggested that a daily consumption of orange had a positive effect on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic biomarkers of young women, which may be an effective alternative for a healthy drink.

Vine shoots as new source for the manufacture of prebiotic oligosaccharides.

Vine shoots were subjected to a hydrothermal treatment to cause the selective solubilisation of the hemicelluloses. The hemicelluloses solubilisation products were refined by a sequential processing with nanofiltration and ion exchange obtaining a refined product with a purity of 99%. A depth chemical and structural characterization of the purified oligosaccharide mixture from vine shoots was performed for the first time by HPLC, FTIR, HPAEC-PAD, MALDI-TOF and UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. The characterization showed the presence of oligosaccharide mixtures with a wide polymerization degree (DP = 2-17) and a rich substitution pattern. Moreover, the thermal behaviour of the mixture was evaluated by TGA in order to obtain information about the thermal and storage conditions during its incorporation into processed functional foods. The thermal and acid stability of the obtained oligosaccharides was also evaluated corroborating their resistance to the digestive conditions. The assessment of the prebiotic activity of the digested mixture was carried out by in vitro fermentability with faecal inocula from human volunteers by the monitoring of short chain fatty acids production and the population dynamic of bifidobacteria by FISH.

Quality of yogurt fortified with magnesium lactate.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is a micronutrient which plays an important role in a wide range of fundamental cellular reactions. Deficiency of magnesium leads to serious biochemical and symptomatic changes. The present study was carried out to establish the influence of magnesium lactate fortification on the physico- chemical, microbiological and rheological properties of fat-free yogurt manufactured using different starters. METHODS: In this study, yogurts were produced from fat-free milk, standardized with skimmed milk powder to 6% protein content, and then divided into two parts. One part was left without supplementa- tion as a control and in the second part, magnesium L-lactate hydrate was added in the amount of 317.30 mg 100 g–1, which was equal to 35 mg of Mg2+ 100 g–1 of milk. Both mixtures were blended, pasteurized at 85°C for 30 minutes, cooled to 45°C and then divided into three parts, inoculated with: (1) YC-X11 yogurt cul- ture, (2) YF-L811 yogurt culture and (3) VITAL yogurt culture supplemented with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis) respectively. Fermentation was performed at 43°C and the final yogurts were cooled to 5°C. After 24 hours of cold storage, the pH values, titratable acidity, syneresis, color, texture profile, viscosity, sensory analysis and microbiology of the yogurts were analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that addition of magnesium lactate significantly reduced syneresis and increased the hardness of fat-free yogurts. There was no impact on the viability of starter bacteria in the yogurts after 24 hours of refrigerated storage. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium lactate showed good potential for the fortification of dairy foods, according to physicochemical data. Further research is needed regarding the influence of storage time and to establish whether the observed effects are largely due to the magnesium cation or lactate anion.

Glass ionomer cements with milled, dry chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate filler particles to provide long-term antimicrobial properties with recharge capacity.

OBJECTIVE: Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are a versatile material, offering the opportunity for ion exchange with the oral environment. The aim of this study was to develop a GIC that delivers a controlled, rechargeable dose of chlorhexidine (CHX) over an extended period without compromising mechanical properties. METHODS: GICs were supplemented with finely milled particles of chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate (CHX-HMP). CHX release into artificial saliva was measured over 660 days, and recharge with CHX and CHX-HMP was investigated. Mechanical properties were investigated, and an agar diffusion test was carried out to assess antimicrobial properties using Streptococcus mutans and Scardovia wiggsiae. RESULTS: Dose-dependent CHX release was observed, and this was ongoing at 660 days. Compared with related studies of GICs containing CHX-HMP, the fine, dry particles resulted in fewer adverse effects on mechanical properties, including tensile, compressive and biaxial flexural strength, with 1% CHX-HMP GICs indistinguishable from control specimens. The GICs could be recharged with CHX using both a conventional CHX digluconate solution comparable to commercial mouthrinses, and a suspension of CHX-HMP of equivalent concentration. Recharging with CHX digluconate increased subsequent CHX release by 50% compared with no recharge, and recharging with CHX-HMP increased subsequent CHX release by 100% compared with no recharge. The GICs inhibited growth of St. mutans and Sc. wiggsiae in a simple agar diffusion model. SIGNIFICANCE: These materials, which provide sustained CHX release over clinically relevant timescales, may find application as a restorative material intended to inhibit secondary caries as well as in temporary restorations and fissure sealants.

Effect of combined bifidobacteria supplementation and resistance training on cognitive function, body composition and bowel habits of healthy elderly subjects.

Physical exercise exerts favourable effects on brain health and quality of life of the elderly; some of these positive health effects are induced by the modulation of microbiota composition. We therefore conducted a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial that assessed whether a combination of Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation and moderate resistance training improved the cognitive function and other health-related parameters in healthy elderly subjects. Over a 12-week period, 38 participants (66-78 years) underwent resistance training and were assigned to the probiotic Bifidobacterium supplementation (n=20; 1.25×1010 cfu each of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536, B. longum subsp. infantis M-63, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and B. breve B-3) or the placebo (n=18) group. At baseline and at 12 weeks, we assessed the cognitive function, using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment instrument (MoCA-J); modified flanker task scores; depression-anxiety scores; body composition; and bowel habits. At 12 weeks, the MoCA-J scores showed a significant increase in both the groups, while the flanker task scores of the probiotic group increased more significantly than those of the placebo group (0.35±0.9 vs -0.29±1.1, P=0.056). Only the probiotic group showed a significant decrease in the depression-anxiety scores (5.2±6.3 to 3.4±5.5, P=0.012) and body mass index (24.0±2.8 to 23.5±2.8 kg/m2, P<0.001), with a significant increase in the defecation frequency (5.3±2.3 to 6.4±2.3 times/5 days, P=0.023) at 12 weeks. Thus, in healthy elderly subjects, combined probiotic bifidobacteria supplementation and moderate resistance training may improve the mental condition, body weight and bowel movement frequency.