Aqueous Extract of Brazilian Berry (Myrciaria jaboticaba) Peel Improves Inflammatory Parameters and Modulates Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Rats with Induced-Colitis.

Natural compounds could be a complementary alternative to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This study determined the effects of an aqueous extract of Myrciaria jaboticaba peel (EJP) (50 g L-1) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: HC-healthy control, CC-colitis control, DC-drug control, SJ-short-term treatment with EJP, and LJ-long-term treatment with EJP. The EJP treatments reduced body weight loss, stool consistency score, and spleen enlargement. Gut microbiota was modulated through increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts after EJP treatment. Short-chain fatty acids were also higher in the EJP treatment groups. The antioxidant enzyme activities were greater than CC or DC controls. Myeloperoxidase activity (LJ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (LJ/SJ), and intercellular adhesion molecule (SJ) levels were lower than in the CC group. EJP decreased histological scoring, mucosal thickness, and preserved the crypts and histological structure. Therefore, EJP showed beneficial effects and could be potentially used as an adjuvant in IBD treatment.

Safety, functional properties and technological performance in whey-based media of probiotic candidates from human breast milk.

We aimed at isolating and characterising microorganisms present in human breast milk with probiotic potential. In an 8-week postpartum sampling period, two strains of bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium longum LM7a and Bifidobacterium dentium LM8a') and four strains of lactobacilli were isolated, all during the first 4-week postpartum. B. longum LM7a and B. dentium LM8a', together with four strains previously isolated from breast milk (Bifidobacterium lactis INL1, INL2, INL4 and INL5), were considered for further studies. Susceptibility of the strains to tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, streptomycin, vancomycin and chloramphenicol was evaluated and the isolates exhibited, in general, the same properties as previously reported for bifidobacteria. All isolates showed low hydrophobicity and B. lactis and B. longum strains had satisfactory resistance to gastric digestion and bile shock, but not to pancreatin. B. lactis INL1, B. longum LM7a and B. dentium LM8a' were selected for some comparative technological studies. In particular, B. lactis INL1 displayed technological potential, with satisfactory growth in cheese whey-based media in biofermentor and resistance to freeze-drying, accelerated storage conditions and simulated gastric digestion.

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.

Maternal antibiotic prophylaxis affects Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the human milk, during the first week after delivery.

Human milk is an important source of microorganisms for infant gut colonisation. Although the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis is an important strategy to prevent maternal/neonatal sepsis, it has to be investigated how it may affect the human milk microbiota, especially the genus Bifidobacterium, which has been associated to health benefits. Here, we investigated the impact of the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis on the human milk Bifidobacterium spp. and total bacteria counts, in the first week (short-term) and first month (medium-term) after delivery. Human milk samples were collected from 55 healthy lactating women recruited from the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo at days 7±3 and 30±4 after vaginal delivery. Twenty one volunteers had received maternal antibiotic prophylaxis (MAP group) and 34 had not received MAP (no-MAP group) during or after labour. Total DNA was isolated from milk samples, and the bacterial counts were estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We found lower levels of Bifidobacterium in the MAP group in the first week after delivery (median = 2.1 vs 2.4 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.01), although there were no statistical differences in total bacteria count. However, no differences were found in Bifidobacterium counts between the groups at day 30±4 (median = 2.5 vs 2.2 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.50). Our results suggest that MAP has a significant impact on Bifidobacterium counts in human milk, reducing this population in the first week after delivery. However, throughout the first month after delivery, the Bifidobacterium counts tend to recover, reaching similar counts to those found in no-MAP group at day 30±4 after delivery.

Tannins and Bacitracin Differentially Modulate Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

Antibiotic growth promoters have been used for decades in poultry farming as a tool to maintain bird health and improve growth performance. Global concern about the recurrent emergence and spreading of antimicrobial resistance is challenging the livestock producers to search for alternatives to feed added antibiotics. The use of phytogenic compounds appears as a feasible option due to their ability to emulate the bioactive properties of antibiotics. However, detailed description about the effects of in-feed antibiotics and alternative natural products on chicken intestinal microbiota is lacking. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was used to study composition of cecal microbiota in broiler chickens supplemented with either bacitracin or a blend of chestnut and quebracho tannins over a 30-day grow-out period. Both tannins and bacitracin had a significant impact on diversity of cecal microbiota. Bacitracin consistently decreased Bifidobacterium while other bacterial groups were affected only at certain times. Tannins-fed chickens showed a drastic decrease in genus Bacteroides while certain members of order Clostridiales mainly belonging to the families Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were increased. Different members of these groups have been associated with an improvement of intestinal health and feed efficiency in poultry, suggesting that these bacteria could be associated with productive performance of birds.

Addition of grape pomace extract to probiotic fermented goat milk: the effect on phenolic content, probiotic viability and sensory acceptability.

BACKGROUND: Grape pomace is a source of phenolic compounds, which are associated with health benefits in humans. Additionally, fermented dairy foods with probiotics can be good vehicles to deliver these bioactive compounds. The effects of the addition of grape pomace extract (GPE) on the total phenolic (TP) content, physico-chemical characteristics and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in fermented goat milks prepared with grape juice were investigated. RESULTS: The TP concentration increased significantly in fermented milks with the addition of GPE. A protective effect of GPE on the viability of L. acidophilus was observed. However, after 14 days of storage, the populations of L. acidophilus were significantly lower when compared with those of L. rhamnosus, and only the last probiotic maintained its viability above 7 log CFU mL-1 throughout the period investigated. The sensory scores of flavor, color and overall acceptability of the fermented milk containing L. rhamnosus HN001 were significantly increased when GPE was added. CONCLUSION: The use of GPE might increase the functionality of probiotic fermented goat milk processed with L. rhamnosus HN001 and grape juice because grape polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties and positive effect on the modulation of gut microbiota. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Alterations of Intestinal Microbiome by Antibiotic Therapy in Hospitalized Children.

The administration of antimicrobial agents leads to an ecological imbalance of the host-microorganisms relationship, and it causes a rapid and significant reduction in the microbial diversity. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of antibiotic therapy on intestinal microbiota of children between 3 and 12 years of age. The fecal samples were collected from hospitalized children (n = 31) and from healthy untreated children (n = 30). The presence of bacteria and their quantities were assessed by culture-based methods and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). By culture method, in the children receiving antibiotics, a low recovery of Bifidobacterium spp. (54.8%), Bacteroides spp./Parabacteroides spp. (54.8%), Clostridium spp. (35.5%), and Escherichia coli (74.2%) was observed compared with the children without antibiotic therapy (100%, 80%, 63.3%, and 86.6%, respectively). By qPCR, the children receiving antibiotics showed a lower copy number for all microorganisms, except to Lactobacillus spp. (p = 0.0092). In comparison to the nontreated children, the antibiotic-treated children showed a significantly lower copy number of Bifidobacterium spp. (p = 0.0002), Clostridium perfringens (p < 0.0001), E. coli (p = 0.0268), Methanobrevibacter smithii (p = 0.0444), and phylum Firmicutes (p = 0.0009). In conclusion, our results obtained through qualitative and quantitative analyses, demonstrate that antibiotic therapy affect the intestinal microbiome of children.

Determining the role of a probiotic in the restoration of intestinal microbial balance by molecular and cultural techniques.

The human intestine has a vast variety of microorganisms, and their balance is dependent on several factors. Antibiotics affect microfloral balance and allow naturally opportunistic organisms to multiply. Azithromycin is the most widely used macrolide antibiotic, active against a wide number of pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. It is currently used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients. The use of probiotics has advantages in gastrointestinal conditions, including infectious diarrhea and imbalance due to antibiotic use. In this research, the effect of azithromycin on the intestinal microbiota of Sprague Dawley rats and the role of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the restoration of the balance by employing molecular and cultural techniques was investigated. PCR with universal primers targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene followed by DGGE was used to characterize the overall intestinal microbiota composition. Cultivable fecal bacteria count using microbiological media and semi-quantitative PCR with group-specific primers were also utilized to analyze the effects of antibiotic and probiotic on microflora. We found that the total amount of 16S rRNA gene and fecal aerobic bacterial count was reduced following azithromycin administration along with elimination of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli, but it was restored by the use of the probiotic. The results from PCR with group-specific primers showed that Bacteroides sp was present in the control and probiotic groups, but it was nearly eliminated in the antibiotic group. Moreover, semi-quantitative PCR revealed that the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were nearly the same in the probiotic group and decreased in the antibiotic group, while Bifidobacterium was significantly increased in the probiotic group and decreased in the antibiotic group (P < 0.05) as compared with that in the control group. Azithromycin-induced dysbiosis can result in prolonged deleterious effects on the host. The present study revealed that the use of lactic acid bacteria particularly L. acidophilus helped to restore intestinal microfloral balance.

Influence of fructooligosaccharides on the fermentation profile and viable counts in a symbiotic low fat milk.

This study evaluated the effects of prebiotics on fermentation profile and growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis in co-cultures with Streptococcus thermophilus. Acidification rate and viability were positively influenced by the co-culture with B. lactis and by both inulin or oligofructose in low fat milk.

Microbiota intestinal de indivíduos que sofreram acidente ocupacional com materiais biológicos e que realizaram profilaxia anti-retroviral / Intestinal microbiota of individuals who suffered occupational accidents with biological materials and underwent antiretroviral prophylaxis

Avaliar a microbiota intestinal de indivíduos que sofreram acidente ocupacional com materiais biológicos e receberam anti-retrovirais foi o objetivo deste estudo. O grupo de estudo constou de 23 indivíduos com idade entre 18-45 anos, sendo 13 doadores de sangue e 10 que sofreram acidente ocupacional. Foram avaliados a microbiota intestinal, antropometria e exames laboratoriais pré, pós e 30 dias após o término da medicação. Zidovudina mais lamivudina foi utilizada em 70 por cento dos indivíduos associado ao nelfinavir, 20 por cento ao efavirenz e 10 por cento ao ritonavir. As alterações nutricionais e dietéticas-laboratoriais e de microbiota intestinal foram analisadas em três momentos. M1: até dois dias do início da profilaxia; M2: no último dia da profilaxia e M3: 30 dias após o término da profilaxia. Náuseas, vômitos e diarréia estiveram presentes em 50 por cento no segundo momento do estudo. Sobrepeso em 70 por cento, desnutrição e eutrofia em 10 por cento, dos indivíduos, não se modificaram durante o estudo. Transaminases, triglicérides, LDL-colesterol se elevaram no segundo momento e normalizaram 30 dias após término da medicação. Houve redução significativa dos Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium e Bacteróides nos três momentos. Uso de anti-retrovirais provocou impacto significativo na microbiota intestinal dos indivíduos, sem recuperação em 30 dias.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal microbiota of individuals who had suffered occupational accidents and had received antiretrovirals. The study group consisted of 23 individuals between 18 and 45 years old, of whom 13 were blood donors and 10 had suffered occupational accidents. Intestinal microflora, anthropometry and laboratory tests were evaluated before, after and 30 days after discontinuation of the medication. Zidovudine plus lamivudine was used in association with nelfinavir for 70 percent of the individuals, with efavirenz for 20 percent and with ritonavir for 10 percent. Nutritional, diet, laboratory and intestinal microbiota abnormalities were analyzed at three times: M1, not more than two days after starting prophylaxis; M2, on the last day of prophylaxis; and M3, 30 days after ending prophylaxis. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were present in 50 percent at M2. Overweight in 70 percent, malnutrition and eutrophy in 10 percent of the individuals remained unchanged during the study. Transaminases, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol because elevated at M2 and normalized 30 days after discontinuation of the medication. There were significant reductions in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides at the three times. The use of antiretrovirals caused a significant impact on the individuals’ intestinal microbiota, without recovery after 30 days.

[Intestinal microbiota of individuals who suffered occupational accidents with biological materials and underwent antiretroviral prophylaxis]. / Microbiota intestinal de indivíduos que sofreram acidente ocupacional com materiais biológicos e que realizaram profilaxia anti-retroviral.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal microbiota of individuals who had suffered occupational accidents and had received antiretrovirals. The study group consisted of 23 individuals between 18 and 45 years old, of whom 13 were blood donors and 10 had suffered occupational accidents. Intestinal microflora, anthropometry and laboratory tests were evaluated before, after and 30 days after discontinuation of the medication. Zidovudine plus lamivudine was used in association with nelfinavir for 70% of the individuals, with efavirenz for 20% and with ritonavir for 10%. Nutritional, diet, laboratory and intestinal microbiota abnormalities were analyzed at three times: M1, not more than two days after starting prophylaxis; M2, on the last day of prophylaxis; and M3, 30 days after ending prophylaxis. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were present in 50% at M2. Overweight in 70%, malnutrition and eutrophy in 10% of the individuals remained unchanged during the study. Transaminases, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol because elevated at M2 and normalized 30 days after discontinuation of the medication. There were significant reductions in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides at the three times. The use of antiretrovirals caused a significant impact on the individuals intestinal microbiota, without recovery after 30 days.

Surface properties of bifidobacterial strains of human origin.

The adherence of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from infant feces and commercial fermented dairy products to enterocyte-like cells was correlated with the autoagglutination and hemagglutination properties of these organisms. These results allowed us to define two groups: (i) cell-adherent bacteria showing hemagglutination and autoagglutination and (ii) non-cell-adherent, nonhemagglutinating, nonautoagglutinating bacteria. Glass adherence was shown to be nonspecific and was discarded as a criterion for selection of adherent cells. Hydrophobicity appeared to be necessary for adhesion to enterocyte-like cells and autoagglutination. Adhesive strains were highly hydrophobic, and the degree of adherence was slightly dependent on the surface potential. Cells autoagglutinated more when the electrostatic negative charges on the cell surface were shielded by a decrease in the pH from 7 to 2. However, in some strains negative charges at the cell surface were adjuvant to adhesion, thus suggesting that specific chemical interactions occurred. The present results provide a method for preliminary selection of bacteria potentially adherent to epithelial cells by means of autoagglutination.