Probiotics from kefir: Evaluating their immunostimulant and antioxidant potential in the carpet shell clam (Ruditapesdecussatus).

This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating kefir into the diet on biometric parameters, as well as the immune and antioxidant responses of the carpet shell clam (Ruditapes decussatus) after an experimental infection by Vibrio alginolyticus. Clams were divided into a control group and a treated group. The control group was fed on spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) alone. While, the treated group was fed on spirulina supplemented with 10% dried kefir. After 21 days, clams were immersed in a suspension of V. alginolyticus 5 × 105 CFU mL -1 for 30 min. Seven days after experimental infection, survival was 100% in both groups. The obtained results showed a slight increase in weight and condition index in clams fed with kefir-supplemented diet for 21 days compared to control clams. Regarding antioxidant responses, the treated group showed higher superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control group. However, the malondialdehyde level was lower in the treated clams than in the control. In terms of immune parameters, the treated group showed slightly elevated activities of phenoloxidase, lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase, whereas a decreased lectin activity was observed compared to the control group. The obtained results suggest that kefir enhanced both the antioxidant and immune response of infected clams.

Effect of resistance training plus enriched probiotic supplement on sestrin2, oxidative stress, and mitophagy markers in elderly male Wistar rats.

This study aimed to determine the effects of resistance training combined with a probiotic supplement enriched with vitamin D and leucine on sestrin2, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and mitophagy markers in aged Wistar rats. Thirty-five male rats were randomly assigned to two age groups (old with 18-24 months of age and young with 8-12 weeks of age) and then divided into five groups, including (1) old control (OC: n = 5 + 2 for reserve in all groups), (2) young control (YC: n = 5), (3) old resistance training (OR: n = 5), (4) old resistance training plus supplement (ORS: n = 5), and old supplement group (OS: n = 5). Training groups performed ladder climbing resistance training 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Training intensity was inserted progressively, with values equal to 65, 75, and 85, determining rats' maximal carrying load capacity. Each animal made 5 to 8 climbs in each training session, and the time of each climb was between 12 and 15 s, although the time was not the subject of the evaluation, and the climbing pattern was different in the animals. Old resistance plus supplement and old supplement groups received 1 ml of supplement 5 times per week by oral gavage in addition to standard feeding, 1 to 2 h post training sessions. Forty-eight hours after the end of the training program, 3 ml of blood samples were taken, and all rats were then sacrificed to achieve muscle samples. After 8 weeks of training, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity levels increased in both interventions. A synergistic effect of supplement with resistance training was observed for total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and PTEN-induced kinase 1. Sestrin 2 decreased in intervention groups. These results suggest that resistance training plus supplement can boost antioxidant defense and mitophagy while potentially decreasing muscle strength loss.

Coadministration of doxorubicin with vitamin D3, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei in the 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer: anticancer and enteroprotective effects.

The use of doxorubicin (Dox) in the treatment of breast cancer negatively affects the intestines and other tissues. Many studies have proven that probiotics and vitamin D3 have antitumor and intestinal tissue-protecting properties. To achieve effectiveness and minimize side effects, the current study aims to administer Dox together with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei) and vitamin D3. Forty-two female BALB/c inbred mice were divided into six groups: Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Dox), Group 3 (Dox and probiotics), Group 4 (Dox and vitamin D3), Group 5 (Dox, probiotics, and vitamin D3), and Group 6 (probiotics and vitamin D3). The 4T1 mouse carcinoma cell line was injected into the mammary fat pad of each mouse. Gene expression was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The treated groups (except group 6) showed significantly reduced tumor volume and weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Probiotics/vitamin D3 with Dox reduced chemotherapy toxicity and a combination of supplements had a significant protective effect against Dox (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). The treated groups (except 6) had significantly higher expression of Bax/Caspase 3 genes and lower expression of Bcl-2 genes than the control group (P < 0.05, 0.01). Coadministration of Dox with probiotics and vitamin D3 showed promising results in reducing tumor size, protecting intestinal tissue and influencing gene expression, suggesting a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment while reducing side effects.

Non-encapsulated, encapsulated, and lyophilized probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 influenced the growth and gut health in calves.

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of non-encapsulated, air-dried microencapsulated, and lyophilized microencapsulated probiotics in indigenous cattle calves (Bos indicus). Twenty-four (5-7 days old) indigenous cattle calves were selected and assigned into four groups, with six calves in each as follows: control (CON), fed milk and basal diet alone, and treatment groups supplemented with non-encapsulated (NEC), air-dried microencapsulated (AEC) and lyophilized microencapsulated (LEC) probiotic L. reuteri SW23 at 108 CFU/head/day in skim milk as a carrier provided for 60 days. The animals were divided into four groups, adopting a complete randomized design, and the effects were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Probiotics supplementation increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (kg), average daily gain, and structural growth measurements in calves of all treatment groups. Dry matter intake (g/d), feed conversion efficiency, and fecal counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were also increased in the treatment groups compared to CON. The fecal consistency index was highest in CON (0.70 ± 0.03), followed by NEC (0.68 ± 0.01), AEC (0.66 ± 0.02), and LEC (0.65 ± 0.02). Fecal pH and ammonia levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in the probiotic-fed groups compared to CON, with a concomitant increase in fecal lactate, acetate, and propionate levels. In addition, cell-mediated and humoral immunity were significantly increased in supplemented groups as compared to CON. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the probiotics in microencapsulated/non-encapsulated forms to neonatal calves had a variety of positive effects on their health, including better performance, improved gut health, and a lower fecal consistency index. Moreover, among all supplemented groups, the lyophilized microencapsulated group outperformed air-dried microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated groups in terms of ADG, DMI, and gut health.

Restoration of gut dysbiosis through Clostridium butyricum and magnesium possibly balance blood glucose levels: an experimental study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an elevated level of blood glucose due to the absence of insulin secretion, ineffectiveness, or lack of uptake of secreted insulin in the body. The improperly diagnosed and poorly managed DM can cause severe damage to organs in the body like the nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of Clostridium butyricum (probiotic) with magnesium supplementation to evaluate the effect on gut microbial dysbiosis and blood glucose levels. In the laboratory, 6-8 weeks old 24 male albino rats weighing 200-250 g were given free access to water and food. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in overnight fasted rats. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6, 6 replicates in each group). Metformin (100 mg/kg/day) with a standard basal diet was provided to control group (G0), Clostridium butyricum (1.5 × 105 CFU/day) with standard basal diet was provided to treatment group (G1), magnesium (500 mg/kg/day) was provided to group (G2). Clostridium butyricum (1.5 × 105 CFU/day) and magnesium (300 mg/kg/day) in combination with a standard basal diet was provided to group (G3). Blood Glucose, Magnesium blood test and microbial assay were done. Random blood glucose levels were monitored twice a week for 21 days and were represented as mean of each week. The results conclude that Clostridium butyricum (1.5 × 105 CFU) is very effective in balancing random blood glucose levels from 206.6 ± 67.7 to 85.1 ± 3.8 (p = 0.006) compared to other groups (p > 0.005). The results of stool analysis showed that Clostridium butyricum as probiotic restores microbial dysbiosis as evident by the 105 CFU Clostridium butyricum load in G1, which was higher than G0, G2 and G3 which were 103 and 104 CFU respectively. The findings of this study conclude that Clostridium butyricum supplementation improved blood glucose levels and intestinal bacterial load in type II diabetes mellitus.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HF01 fermented yogurt alleviated high-fat diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis via the gut microbiota-butyric acid-hepatic lipid metabolism axis.

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HF01 fermented yogurt (HF01-Y). Herein, obesity was induced in mice through a high-fat diet and the changes in the gut microbiota were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, combined with the expression levels of the liver AMPK signaling pathway to analyze the potential relationship between HF01-Y-mediated gut microbiota and obesity. The results showed that supplementation with HF01-Y improved obesity-related phenotypes in mice, including reduced body weight, improved serum lipid profiles, and decreased hepatic lipid droplet formation. In addition, HF01-Y altered the composition of the gut microbiota in obese mice, significantly upregulated norank_f__Muribaculaceae, unclassified_c__Clostridia, Blautia, unclassified_o__Bacteroidales, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, while downregulating unclassified_f__Desulfovibrionaceae, Colidextribacter, and unclassified_f__Oscillospiraceae. These alterations led to an increase of the cecum butyric acid content, which in turn indirectly promoted the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, subsequently, inhibited fat synthesis, and promoted fatty acid oxidation related gene expression. Therefore, HF01-Y was likely to alleviate hepatic fat and relieve obesity by modulating the gut microbiota-butyric acid-hepatic lipid metabolism axis, ultimately promoting host health.

Quality and functional properties of bread containing the addition of probiotically fermented Cicer arietinum.

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementation with probiotically fermented chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) seeds on the quality parameters and functional characteristics of wheat bread. The addition of chickpea seeds caused significant changes in the chemical composition of the control wheat bread. The legume-supplemented products exhibited higher values of a* and b* color parameters and higher hardness after 24 h of storage than the control. The application of fermented or unfermented chickpeas contributed to an increase in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, iron chelating capacity, and antioxidant properties of the final product. The variant containing unfermented seeds had the highest riboflavin content (29.53 ± 1.11 µg/100 g d.w.), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (227.02 ± 7.29 µmol·L-1 TX/100 g d.w.), and free radical scavenging activity (71.37 ± 1.30 % DPPH inhibition). The results of this preliminary research have practical importance in the production of innovative bakery products with potential properties of functional food.

Do Herbal Supplements and Probiotics Complement Antibiotics and Diet in the Management of SIBO? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) arises from dysbiosis in the small intestine, manifesting with abdominal symptoms. This study aims to assess the efficacy of combined antibiotic therapy, herbal supplements, probiotics, and dietary modifications in SIBO management. A total of 179 SIBO-diagnosed patients underwent clinical evaluation and breath testing. Patients were categorized into hydrogen (H2-SIBO) and methane (CH4-SIBO) groups. The control group received standard antibiotic therapy and a low-FODMAP diet, while the intervention group received additional herbal antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics. After treatment, both groups exhibited reduced gas levels, particularly in CH4-SIBO. Clinical remission rates were higher in the intervention group, especially in CH4-SIBO cases. Logistic regression analysis showed gas concentrations at diagnosis as significant predictors of treatment success. In conclusion, adjunctive herbal supplements and probiotics did not significantly impact gas levels, but showed potential for clinical improvement, especially in CH4-SIBO.

Beneficial effect of probiotics supplementation on quality of edible fresh table eggs during storage.

Background: This study discussed the effect of probiotic supplementation on laying hens' diets and the enhancement of egg quality during the cold storage period. Aim: To study the efficacy of the addition of probiotics to hen diets in terms of improving the egg's quality during the cold storage period and protection against enteric pathogens. Methods: 100 table eggs were collected from farms of laying hens on a battery system, 46 weeks old HylineW36 white in Sharkia Government. The collected eggs were separated into 2 groups (50 each); the control group from hens fed on diets without probiotics, and the probiotic group from hens fed on diets with (100 g/ton) of supplemented probiotics preparation. All groups were separated into 5 sub-groups for the examinations; on the fresh day, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days on cold storage at 4°C. Chemical, physical, and microbiological examinations were done for internal egg contents and eggshells. Results: Our results showed that probiotics supplements have advantageous effects on the quality of eggs during cold storage periods. Also, microbiological examination proved that eggshells from hens fed on diets with probiotics supplemented (100 g/ton) have decreased the level of bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Escherichia coli than hens fed on a regular diet. Conclusion: It could be shown that the probiotics supplementation may decrease and reduce the effect of the storage period on the quality of shell, albumen, and yolk.

The impact of dietary probiotic supplementation on welfare and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Background: The usage of commercial probiotic products as alternatives to traditional antibiotics in fish culture is initiated to be a potential factor for Nile tilapia fish's welfare and growth. Aim: The purpose of the current study is to show the influence of commercial probiotics (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) dietary supplementation at different levels on Nile tilapia welfare and growth. Methods: Apparently healthy fingerlings of Nile Tilapia with a total number of 120 with an average initial weight (26.2 ± 0.3 g) were distributed into four groups (each group had 30 fingerlings). The first group (G1) was given a basal diet without additional probiotics, while other groups [second group (G2), the third group (G3), and the fourth group (G4)] were given basal diets supplemented with different levels of commercial probiotics (1 g, 2 g, and 3 g of probiotics per kilogram of diet), respectively (15 fish in each sub group as replicate), in eight glass aquaria (30 × 40 × 100 cm) for 2 months as an experimental period. Results: The results revealed that the probiotic-treated groups especially G4 (3 g probiotics/kg diet) showed a marked increase in the following behavioral patterns such as feeding and swimming behaviors, while G2 (1 g probiotic/kg diet) had an increase in the foraging behavior compared with G1 control group. While surfacing, body care, and aggressive behaviors with all patterns were the highest in the control group (G1) than all probiotics-treated groups. The crossing test showed that fish rose in the probiotic-treated groups (G3 and G4) were more active and could achieve the highest growth rates. While water quality was better in G4 (3 g probiotic /kg diet) than in other groups. Moreover, G4 (3 g probiotic/kg diet) showed a marked increase in all serum biochemical parameters than the control group (G1). Conclusion: The current study proved that the best level of commercial probiotics (B. amyloliquefaciens) was (3 g probiotic/kg diet) for achieving optimal Nile tilapia fingerlings' growth performance under these experimental conditions. Finally, this work confirms the significance of the addition of probiotics as a feed additive to enhance both growth performance and immunity response, improve water quality, and achieve the welfare of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis significantly change the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks during the fattening period.

This study explored the effects of a Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus mixture containing the co-fermented products of the two probiotics on growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks. This study included 480 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks divided into four feeding groups: basal diet (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 300, 500, or 700 mg/kg of the probiotic powder; the ducks were raised for 42 days. Compared with the control group, body weight on day 42 and the average daily gain on days 15-42 significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Furthermore, the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, and interleukin (IL)-4 levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), and IL-1ß, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Finally, Sellimonas, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Butyricoccus played an important role in the cecal microbiota of the experimental group. Thus, the probiotic powder has impacts on the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley Ducks.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemical plaque control with mouthwashes as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control with a toothbrush and dental floss has been considered an effective method for controlling gingivitis. The anti-inflammatory effects of chemical plaque control benefit the oral tissues by reducing inflammation and bleeding. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in treating gingivitis patients by assessing changes in their clinical parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients from our outpatient department, divided into 4 groups of 10 patients each: probiotic mouthwash group (group 1); herbal (Aloe vera) mouthwash group (group 2); povidone-iodine mouthwash group (group 3); and CHX mouthwash group (group 4). All participants were provided with the same type of manual toothbrush, the Pepsodent® toothpaste and a respective mouthwash for twice-daily use until the end of a 28-day observation period. Clinical parameters, such as the marginal plaque index (MPI) and bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB), were recorded at baseline, and on the 14th and 28th day of the study period. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant decrease in the MPI and BOIB scores. The results were similar in patients who used a probiotic mouthwash and those who used a CHX mouthwash. A comparable change in the mean scores was observed among the herbal and povidone-iodine groups from baseline to day 28. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of chronic gingivitis patients,a probiotic mouthwash was nearly as effective as CHX in reducing the plaque and bleeding scores. It showed better results in all clinical parameters than herbal and povidone-iodine mouthwashes. Using a mouthwash along with routine tooth brushing can help in treating gingivitis and slow the progression of the periodontal disease.

Prebiotic utilisation provides Lactiplantibacillus plantarum a competitive advantage in vitro, but is not reflected by an increased intestinal fitness.

Synbiotics combine the concepts of probiotics and prebiotics to synergistically enhance the health-associated effects of both components. Previously, we have shown that the intestinal persistence of inulin-utilizing L. plantarum Lp900 is significantly increased in rats fed an inulin-supplemented, high-calcium diet. Here we employed a competitive population dynamics approach to demonstrate that inulin and GOS can selectively enrich L. plantarum strains that utilize these substrates for growth during in vitro cultivation, but that such enrichment did not occur during intestinal transit in rats fed a GOS or inulin-supplemented diet. The intestinal persistence of all L. plantarum strains increased irrespective of their prebiotic utilization phenotype, which was dependent on the calcium level of the diet. Analysis of fecal microbiota and intestinal persistence decline rates indicated that prebiotic utilization capacity did not selectively stimulate intestinal persistence in prebiotic supplemented diets. Moreover, microbiota and organic acid profile analyses indicate that the prebiotic utilizing probiotic strains are vastly outcompeted by the endogenous prebiotic-utilizing microbiota, and that the collective enhanced persistence of all L. plantarum strains is most likely explained by their well-established tolerance to organic acids.

Filaggrin Mutation Status and Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis with Maternal Probiotic Supplementation.

The World Allergy Organization recommends probiotics in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in high-risk populations. Mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) result in an increased risk of atopic dermatitis through disruption of the skin keratin layer. This exploratory study investigated whether the preventive effect of maternal probiotics was evident in children with and without FLG mutations. DNA was collected from children (n = 228) from the Probiotic in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (ProPACT) study. Samples were analysed for 3 common FLG mutations (R501X, R2447X, and 2282del4). Overall, 7% of children had heterozygous FLG mutations; each child had only one of the 3 mutations. Mutation status had no association with atopic dermatitis (RR = 1.1; 95% CI 0.5 to 2.3). The risk ratio (RR) for having atopic dermatitis following maternal probiotics was 0.6 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.9) and RR was similar if the child expressed an FLG mutation (RR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.1 to 4.1) or wildtype FLG (RR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9). The preventive  effect of probiotics for atopic dermatitis was also evident in children without FLG mutation. Larger confirmatory studies are needed.

Fermentation of Rubus dolichocarpus juice using Lactobacillus gasseri and Lacticaseibacillus casei and protecting phenolic compounds by Stevia extract during cold storage.

This study aimed to investigate the biological activities of Lactobacillus gasseri SM 05 (L. gasseri) and Lacticaseibacillus casei subsp. casei PTCC 1608 (L. casei) in the black raspberry (Rubus dolichocarpus) juice (BRJ) environment, and also the anti-adhesion activity against Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) in fermented black raspberry juice (FBRJ). Results showed significant anti-adhesion activity in Caco-2 epithelial cells. In the anti-adhesion process, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) improve intestinal health by preventing the adhesion of pathogens. Adding LAB to BRJ produces metabolites with bacteriocin properties. Major findings of this research include improved intestinal health, improved antidiabetic properties, inhibition of degradation of amino acids, and increase in the nutritional value of foods that have been subjected to heat processing by preventing Maillard inhibition, and inhibition of oxidation of foodstuff by increased antioxidant activity of BRJ. Both species of Lactobacillus effectively controlled the growth of S. typhimurium during BRJ fermentation. Moreover, in all tests, as well as Maillard's and α-amylase inhibition, L. gasseri was more effective than L. casei. The phenolic and flavonoid compounds increased significantly after fermentation by both LAB (p < 0.05). Adding Stevia extract to FBRJ and performing the HHP process showed convenient protection of phenolic compounds compared to heat processing.

It's Dead! Can Postbiotics Really Help Performance and Recovery? A Systematic Review.

In recent years, postbiotics have increased in popularity, but the potential relevancy of postbiotics for augmenting exercise performance, recovery, and health is underexplored. A systematic literature search of Google Scholar and PubMed databases was performed with the main objective being to identify and summarize the current body of scientific literature on postbiotic supplementation and outcomes related to exercise performance and recovery. Inclusion criteria for this systematic review consisted of peer-reviewed, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials, with a population including healthy men or women >18 years of age. Studies required the incorporation of a postbiotic supplementation regimen and an outcome linked to exercise. Search terms included paraprobiotics, Tyndallized probiotics, ghost biotics, heat-killed probiotics, inactivated probiotics, nonviable probiotics, exercise, exercise performance, and recovery. Only investigations written in English were considered. Nine peer-reviewed manuscripts and two published abstracts from conference proceedings were included and reviewed. Supplementation periods ranged from 13 days to 12 weeks. A total of 477 subjects participated in the studies (n = 16-105/study) with reported results spanning a variety of exercise outcomes including exercise performance, recovery of lost strength, body composition, perceptual fatigue and soreness, daily logs of physical conditions, changes in mood states, and biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation, immune modulation, and oxidative stress. Early evidence has provided some indication that postbiotic supplementation may help to support mood, reduce fatigue, and increase the readiness of athletes across several weeks of exercise training. However, more research is needed to further understand how postbiotics may augment health, resiliency, performance, and recovery. Future investigations should include longer supplementation periods spanning a wider variety of competitive athletes and exercising populations.

Biotransformation of Bioactive Metabolites in Cassiae Semen by Endogenous Enzymes and Probiotics.

The present study evaluated the potential of endogenous enzymes and probiotics in transforming bioactive metabolites to reduce the purgative effect and improve the functional activity of Cassiae Semen and verified and revealed the biotransformation effect of endogenous enzymes. Although probiotics, especially Lactobacillus rhamnosus, exerted the transformation effect, the endogenous enzymes proved to be more effective in transforming the components of Cassiae Semen. After biotransformation by endogenous enzymes for 12 h, the levels of six anthraquinones in Cassiae Semen increased by at least 2.98-fold, and free anthraquinones, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity also showed significant improvement, accompanied by an 82.2% reduction in combined anthraquinones responsible for the purgative effect of Cassiae Semen. Further metabolomic analysis revealed that the biotransformation effect of endogenous enzymes on the bioactive metabolites of Cassiae Semen was complex and diverse, and the biotransformation of quinones and flavonoids was particularly prominent and occurred by three primary mechanisms, hydrolyzation, methylation, and dimerization, might under the action of glycosyl hydrolases, SAM-dependent methyltransferases, and CYP450s. Accordingly, biotransformation by endogenous enzymes emerges as a mild, economical, food safety risk-free, and effective strategy to modify Cassiae Semen into an excellent functional food.

Enhancing effect of oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis on broiler immune function, intestinal morphology and growth performance.

The present study evaluated the effect of two categories of feed additives on chicken performance through immunological and intestinal histo-morphometric measurements. A total of 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I received a non-supplemented basal diet. While groups II and III were treated with a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (OEO) and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, in water for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at 6, 18 and 28 days for hematological analysis, phagocytosis, lymphocyte proliferation and measuring antibody responses. Additionally, growth performance indices were recorded weekly. The results showed that groups supplemented with OEO and B. subtilis improved growth performance expressed by a significant increase in weight gain (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hematological findings indicated a significant increase in blood parameters as well as a significant increase in phagocytic % & phagocytic index at all time points with a greater probiotic effect. On the other hand, OEO produced a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation at 18 & 28 days. Humoral immunity revealed a significant increase in serum antibody titer phytobiotic & probiotic-fed groups at time points of 18 & 28 days with a superior phytobiotic effect. The histological examination showed a significant increase in villi length, villi width, crypt depth & V/C ratio. In conclusion, these results indicated positive effects of B. subtilis & OEO on both growth and immunity and could be considered effective alternatives to the antibiotic.

Probiotics and synbiotics for glycemic control in diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The escalating prevalence of diabetes mellitus may benefit from add-on therapeutic approaches. Given the recognized need for an updated synthesis of the literature, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize and critically assess the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the efficacy of probiotics and synbiotics on glycemic control in patients with Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Comprehensive searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on adults with T1DM or T2DM. All comparators were deemed eligible. Primary outcomes included changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and insulin levels. Only RCTs were included, and the Cochrane RoB2 tool assessed the risk of bias. Random-effect models facilitated data analysis, supplemented by sensitivity, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions. RESULTS: A total of 537 records were screened, resulting in 41 RCTs for analysis, which comprises 2991 (54% females) patients with diabetes. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in HbA1c (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.282, 95% CI: [-0.37, -0.19], p < 0.001), FPG (SMD = -0.175, 95% CI: [-0.26, -0.09], p < 0.001), and insulin levels (SMD = -0.273, 95% CI: [-0.35, -0.20], p < 0.001). A medium degree of heterogeneity between studies was found in HbA1c (I2 = 62.5%), FPG (I2 = 71.5%), and insulin levels (I2 = 66.4%) analyses. Subgroup analyses indicated that the efficacy varied based on the type of strains used and the country. Multispecies strains were particularly effective in improving HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that probiotics and synbiotics may be effective as complementary therapies for managing diabetes. Additionally, the study underscores the need for further tailored research that considers variables such as strain types and geographical factors to deepen the understanding of the role of these interventions in diabetes care. REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42023396348).

A review on the alternatives to antibiotics and the treatment of antibiotic pollution: Current development and future prospects.

Antibiotics, widely used in the fields of medicine, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and agriculture, pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health. To prevent antibiotic pollution, efforts have been made in recent years to explore alternative options for antibiotics in animal feed, but the effectiveness of these alternatives in replacing antibiotics is not thoroughly understood due to the variation from case to case. Furthermore, a systematic summary of the specific applications and limitations of antibiotic removal techniques in the environment is crucial for developing effective strategies to address antibiotic contamination. This comprehensive review summarized the current development and potential issues on different types of antibiotic substitutes, such as enzyme preparations, probiotics, and plant extracts. Meanwhile, the existing technologies for antibiotic residue removal were discussed under the scope of application and limitation. The present work aims to highlight the strategy of controlling antibiotics from the source and provide valuable insights for green and efficient antibiotic treatment.