Indole-3-Lactic Acid Derived from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Inhibits Helicobacter pylori Infection via Destruction of Bacteria Cells, Protection of Gastric Mucosa Epithelial Cells, and Alleviation of Inflammation.

Indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) has exhibited antimicrobial properties. However, its role in inhibiting Helicobacter pylori infection remains elusive. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of ILA produced by Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on H. pylori, which was further confirmed by cell and animal experiments. 5 mg/mL ILA was sufficient to directly inhibit the growth of H. pylori in vitro, with a urease inhibitory activity reaching 60.94 ± 1.03%, and the cell morphology and structure were destroyed. ILA inhibited 56.5% adhesion of H. pylori to GES-1 and significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, ILA suppresses H. pylori colonization by approximately 38% to 63%, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in H. pylori-infected mice, and enhanced the enrichment and variety of gut microbiota, notably fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. The results support that ILA derived from Lactobacillus can be applicated as a novel prebiotic in anti-H. pylori functional foods.

Structure characterization and immunological activity of capsular polysaccharide from live and heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 6235.

Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) as a probiotic component has the ability to regulate the function of the host's immune system. However, how the structure and function of heat-killed CPS are altered remains unclear. In the present study, CPS were isolated and purified from live (LCPS) and heat-killed (HCPS) Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 6235. The differences in structure and immunomodulation between LCPS and HCPS were compared and analyzed. The results demonstrate that after heat killed, the molecular weight of CPS decreased from 23.4 kDa to 17.5 kDa, with the disappearance of galactosamine in the monosaccharide composition, and changes in the microstructure. Methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that the LCPS and HCPS are similar in structure, which main units of →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→4)-α-D-Galp-(1→3)-ß-L-Rhap-(1→6)-ß-D-Galp-(1→, and repeating units of →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-ß-L-Rhap-(1→, and →4)-α-D-Galp-(1→ residues. Furthermore, both LCPS and HCPS significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. Specifically, HCPS reduced the levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß by 79.38 % and 88.42 %, respectively, compared to LCPS. Concurrently, both LCPS and HCPS effectively mitigated inflammatory responses through the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, compared to LCPS, HCPS increased the protein expression levels of NF-κB/p-NF-κB and IκB/p-IκB by 26.14 % and 28.92 %, respectively. These results suggest that CPS has a role in modulating immune responses and that HCPS is more effective. This study can be further developed into new products related to postbiotics.

Mechanistic insights into the changes of biological activity and physicochemical characteristics in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei fortified milk powder during storage.

To clarify the change mechanism of biological activity and physicochemical characteristics in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY025 fortified milk powder (LFMP) during storage, morphological observation, JY025 survival, storage stability, and metabolomics of LFMP were determined during the storage period in this study. The results showed that the LFMP had a higher survival rate of JY025 compared with the bacterial powder of JY025 (LBP) during storage, which suggested that milk powder matrix could reduce strain JY025 mortality under prolonged storage in the LFMP samples. The fortification of strain JY025 also affected the stability of milk powder during the storage period. There was lower water activity and higher glass transition temperature in LFMP samples compared with blank control milk powder (BCMP) during storage. Moreover, the metabolomics results of LFMP indicated that vitamin degradation, Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and lactobacilli metabolism are interrelated and influence each other to create complicated metabolism networks.

Probiotic Bacteria and Their Cell Walls Induce Th1-Type Immunity Against Salmonella Typhimurium Challenge.

Probiotics have been associated with a variety of health benefits. They can act as adjuvant to enhance specific immune response. Bacterial cell wall (CW) molecules are key structures that interact with host receptors promoting probiotic effects. The adjuvant capacity underlying this sub-cellular fraction purified from Lactobacillus casei CRL431 and L. paracasei CNCMI-1518 remains to be characterized. We interrogated the molecular and cellular events after oral feeding with probiotic-derived CW in addition to heat-inactivated Salmonella Typhimurium and their subsequent protective capacity against S. Typhimurium challenge. Intact probiotic bacteria were orally administered for comparison. We find that previous oral feeding with probiotics or their sub-cellular fraction reduce bacterial burden in spleen and liver after Salmonella challenge. Antibody responses after pathogen challenge were negligible, characterized by not major changes in the antibody-mediated phagocytic activity, and in the levels of total and Salmonella-specific intestinal sIgA and serum IgG, respectively. Conversely, the beneficial effect of probiotic-derived CW after S. Typhimurium challenge were ascribed to a Th1-type cell-mediated immunity which was characterized by augmentation of the delayed-type hypersensitivity response. The cell-mediated immunity associated with the oral feeding with probiotic-derived CW was accompanied with a Th1-cell polarizing cytokines, distinguished by increase IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. Similar results were observed with the intact probiotics. Our study identified molecular events associated with the oral administration of sub-cellular structures derived from probiotics and their adjuvant capacity to exert immune modulatory function.

Characterization of low-cost glycolipoprotein biosurfactant produced by Lactobacillus plantarum 60 FHE isolated from cheese samples using food wastes through response surface methodology and its potential as antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer activities.

Considering the need of new lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the production of novel biosurfactant (BS) molecules, the current study brings out a new insight on the exploration of cheese samples for BS producers and process optimization for industrial applications. In view of this, Lactobacillus plantarum 60FHE, Lactobacillus paracasei 75FHE, and Lactobacillus paracasei 77FHE were selected as the most operative strains. The biosurfactants (BSs) described as glycolipoproteins via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) exhibited antimicrobial activity against the food-borne pathogens. L. plantarum 60FHE BS showed an anticancer activity against colon carcinoma cells and had a week antiviral activity against Hepatitis A virus. Furthermore, glycolipoprotein production was enhanced by 1.42-fold through the development of an optimized process using central composite design (CCD). Emulsifying activities were stable after 60-min incubation from 4 to 120 °C, at pH 2-12, and after the addition of NaCl (2-14%). Characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) revealed that BS produced from strain 60FHE was glycolipoprotein. L. plantarum produced mixed BSs determined by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Thus, indicating that BS was applied as a microbial food prevention and biomedical. Also, L. plantarum 60FHE BS was achieved with the use of statistical optimization on inexpensive food wastes.

Preparation of Ca-alginate-whey protein isolate microcapsules for protection and delivery of L. bulgaricus and L. paracasei.

To promote the application of probiotics that are beneficial to hosts, calcium-alginate (Ca-Alg) coated whey protein isolate microcapsules were prepared for protection and delivery of L. bulgaricus and L. paracasei. The internal layer was formed with transglutaminase-induced gelation of whey protein isolate (WPI). Sodium alginate (SA) was applied to form outer layer with external Ca2+ gelation method. The microcapsules loaded with probiotics were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the co-encapsulation efficiency was 90.54% and 84.46% of WPI micro-beads and Ca-Alg-coated microcapsules, respectively. The trehalose was added as cryoprotectant to improve the survival rate of probiotics in freeze-dried Ca-Alg-coated microcapsules from 3% to 41.26%. Ca-Alg-coated microcapsules have regular morphology and intensified structure. The protection of Ca-Alg-coated microcapsule for probiotics was improved under simulated gastrointestinal and thermal conditions. Ca-Alg-WPI microcapsules showed a useful way for protection and delivery of L. bulgaricus and L. paracasei.

Layer (whey protein isolate) -by-layer (xanthan gum) microencapsulation enhances survivability of L. bulgaricus and L. paracasei under simulated gastrointestinal juice and thermal conditions.

In the study, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (L. paracasei) were isolated from food products and identified. The probiotics were co-encapsulated by emulsification technique with transglutaminase-induced gelation of whey protein isolate (WPI). A double layer was formed by xanthan gum (XG). The survival of both free and microencapsulated cells in each step was enumerated. The results showed that high entrapment yield (86.36 ± 1.07%) was achieved, WPI-XG provided significant protection for cells in simulated gastric juice and bile tolerance tests compared with free cells. Besides, the survivability under thermal condition also strengthened. During freeze-drying process, the survival was improved and naked cells cannot be seen on microcapsules surface when trehalose was added into WPI solution as a lyoprotectant. Additionally, the structure changes of WPI/XG in the encapsulation process were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) and the thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Protective Effect of the Intracellular Content from Potential Probiotic Bacteria against Oxidative Damage Induced by Acrylamide in Human Erythrocytes.

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of the intracellular content obtained from potential probiotic bacteria against acrylamide-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. First, the antioxidant properties of 12 potential probiotic strains was evaluated. Two commercial probiotic bacteria were included as reference strains, namely, Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Lactobacillus paracasei 431. Data showed that the intracellular content from four strains, i.e., Lactobacillus fermentum J10, Lactobacillus pentosus J24 and J26, and Lactobacillus pentosus J27, showed higher (P < 0.05) antioxidant capacity in most methods used. Thereafter, the intracellular content of such pre-selected strains was able to prevent the disturbance of the antioxidant system of human erythrocytes exposed to acrylamide, thereby reducing cell disruption and eryptosis development (P < 0.05). Additionally, the degree of oxidative stress in erythrocytes exposed to acrylamide was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced to levels similar to the basal conditions when the intracellular content of Lact. fermentum J10, Lact. pentosus J27, and Lact. paracasei 431 were employed. Hence, our findings suggest that the intracellular contents of specific Lactobacillus strains represent a potential source of metabolites with antioxidant properties that may help reduce the oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in human erythrocytes.

Abundance of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains with Beneficial Attributes in Blackberries (Rubus sp.), Fresh Figs (Ficus carica), and Prickly Pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) Grown and Harvested in Algeria.

This first study performed on traditional fruits consumed in North Africa reveals their richness in microorganisms with beneficial attributes like cholesterol lowering capabilities. Blackberries (Rubus sp.), fresh figs (Ficus carica), and prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) are fruits largely and traditionally consumed in Kabylia, a beautiful northern Algerian region. Here, 85 lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-isolates were isolated and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The identified species belong to Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc genera. These 85 LAB-isolates were then assessed for their capabilities to grow under conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal tract, and the resulting data were statistically treated with principal component analysis (PCA). After which, only 26 LAB-isolates were selected and characterized for their genetic relatedness using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. Following the genetic relatedness assessment, only 10 LAB-strains, among which nine Lactobacillus plantarum and one Lactobacillus paracasei were studied for their pathoproperties and some probiotic features. Interestingly, all of these 10 LAB-strains were devoid of adverse effects, but capable to adhere to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. Of note, these 10 LAB-strains exhibited an important in vitro hypocholesteromia effect, in strain-dependent manner. Moreover, the Lactobacillus strains exhibited a high bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity which was correlated with expression of bsh2, bsh3 and bsh4 genes.

Avian influenza virus transmission is suppressed in chickens fed Lactobacillus paracasei expressing the 3D8 single-chain variable fragment protein.

The 3D8 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) is a mini-antibody sequence with independent nuclease activity that shows antiviral effects against all types of viruses in chickens and mice. In this study, chickens were treated daily with an oral dose of 109 CFU Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) expressing either a secreted or anchored 3D8 scFv for three weeks. After L. paracasei administration, the chickens were challenged with avian influenza virus (AIV). From each experimental group, three chickens were directly infected with 100 µL of 107.5 EID50/mL H9N2 AIV and seven chickens were indirectly challenged through contact transmission. oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected at 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post-inoculation (dpi) from AIV-challenged chickens, AIV Shedding titres were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Contact transmission in the chickens that were fed 3D8 scFv-secreting L. paracasei showed a significant reduction in viral shedding when compared with other groups. These results suggest that L. paracasei secreting 3D8 provides a basis for the development of ingestible antiviral probiotics with activity against AIV.

Liposomes of probiotic's lyophilized cell free supernatant; a potential cosmeceutical product.

The potential uses of lyophilized cell free supernatant (CFS) of human oral derived Lactobacillus paracasei SD1 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 as cosmeceutical ingredients were investigated in the present study. Lyophilized CFS of both strains showed the antioxidant activity in concentration dependent manner. They also exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. acne, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In combination, these two strains produced synergistic responses, not only on antioxidant activity but also on antimicrobial activity. A liposomal delivery system was employed to mask the unpleasant colour and odour of CFS. The optimal liposome formulation was characterized by a particle size of 344 nm, PDI of 0.19, zeta value of -48.05 mV and %EE of 69.45. The cytotoxicity results showed that the lyophilized CFS, which was toxic, became non-toxic after encapsulating into liposomes. Altogether, current findings demonstrate the worthiness of development of liposomes of probiotic's lyophilized CFS for cosmeceutical applications.

Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lactobacillus paracasei IJH-SONE68 Prevents and Improves the Picryl Chloride-Induced Contact Dermatitis.

Allergic disease is one of the most important and common health problems worldwide. We have previously demonstrated that a fig leaf-derived lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus (Lb.) paracasei IJH-SONE68 produces a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS). Furthermore, we have shown that the EPS inhibits the catalytic activity of hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.36) promoting inflammatory reactions. To evaluate the anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory effects of the EPS, in the present study, we employed the picryl-chloride-induced delayed-type (type IV) allergy model mice, which is used to evaluate the contact dermatitis. Oral administration of the EPS was observed to reduce the ear swelling in the model mice. We also observed that the overexpression of ear interleukin-4 (T helper (Th) 2 cytokine) mRNA and the increase in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) are repressed. However, the expression of interferon-γ (Th1 cytokine) was not accelerated in all of the allergen-challenged model mice. The improvement may be responsible for the Th2 downregulation rather than the Th1 upregulation. In addition, the symptom of immediate-type (type I) allergy model mice was improved by oral administration of the IJH-SONE68 cell (data not shown). We can conclude that the IJH-SONE68-derived EPS is useful to improve the type I and IV allergies including atopic dermatitis.

The Concept of Microwave Foam Drying Under Vacuum: A Gentle Preservation Method for Sensitive Biological Material.

Microwave vacuum drying as compared to conventional vacuum drying has evinced advantages regarding drying time, while comparable product characteristics were achieved when drying sensitive biological material. Due to the volumetric microwave input, a time reduction of up to 90% is possible. When drying viscous liquids, a foamed structure that remains stable during drying exhibits further advantages as the diffusion-limited third drying step is enhanced by the porous structure. As foams not only have to be thermally resistant during microwave vacuum processing, but also withstand the vacuum, a specific process for foam drying by microwaves under low pressure conditions was developed. Foam formation and stabilization was achieved by using a synergistic mixture of proteins and carbohydrates; Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (L. paracasei) served as a model sensitive substance. Investigation of surface activity and foaming properties as a function of L. paracasei concentration revealed a significant positive contribution of the bacterial cells. It was shown that L. paracasei directly adsorbed at the air-water interface. Besides, a structuring of the liquid lamellae was assumed. Moreover, drying time was reduced to at least 50% compared to microwave vacuum drying without foaming. It was further observed that the slight loss in survival was mainly due to the relatively high moisture content and high vacuum levels at the beginning of the process. However, foaming, vacuum application, and final drying, respectively, did not affect viability of the bacterial cells. Thus, by incorporation of lactic acid bacteria into foam structures, drying can be carried out in a fraction of time, and further results in high-product quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The application of continuous foam drying offers an efficient and energy-saving alternative to the currently applied techniques for the processing of sensitive material. The process could be applied for the preservation of starter cultures and probiotics as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, when sensitive material such as therapeutic proteins is dried. This process is especially suitable for freezing-sensitive and thermolabile substances.

Celiac disease-associated Neisseria flavescens decreases mitochondrial respiration in CaCo-2 epithelial cells: Impact of Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 on bacterial-induced cellular imbalance.

We previously identified a Neisseria flavescens strain in the duodenum of celiac disease (CD) patients that induced immune inflammation in ex vivo duodenal mucosal explants and in CaCo-2 cells. We also found that vesicular trafficking was delayed after the CD-immunogenic P31-43 gliadin peptide-entered CaCo-2 cells and that Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 (L. paracasei-CBA) supernatant reduced peptide entry. In this study, we evaluated if metabolism and trafficking was altered in CD-N. flavescens-infected CaCo-2 cells and if any alteration could be mitigated by pretreating cells with L. paracasei-CBA supernatant, despite the presence of P31-43. We measured CaCo-2 bioenergetics by an extracellular flux analyser, N. flavescens and P31-43 intracellular trafficking by immunofluorescence, cellular stress by TBARS assay, and ATP by bioluminescence. We found that CD-N. flavescens colocalised more than control N. flavescens with early endocytic vesicles and more escaped autophagy thereby surviving longer in infected cells. P31-43 increased colocalisation of N. flavescens with early vesicles. Mitochondrial respiration was lower (P < .05) in CD-N. flavescens-infected cells versus not-treated CaCo-2 cells, whereas pretreatment with L. paracasei-CBA reduced CD-N. flavescens viability and improved cell bioenergetics and trafficking. In conclusion, CD-N. flavescens induces metabolic imbalance in CaCo-2 cells, and the L. paracasei-CBA probiotic could be used to correct CD-associated dysbiosis.

Therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 powder on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) whose exact cause is still unclear. Disruption of the intestinal microflora is considered one of the main causes of the disease. Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 (NTU 101) is a multifunctional strain that has been shown in previous studies to possess anti-inflammatory properties and to exert a modulatory effect on intestinal bacteria associated with certain pathogenic mechanisms of IBD. In the current study, we investigated the effects of NTU 101 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. Colitis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice (total number n = 60) via dissolved DSS in drinking water on days 15-21 of the experiment. The effects of continuous 25 d feeding (days 0-25) of either a half or a full dose [2.3 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/kg body weight (BW)/d and 4.5 × 109 CFU/kg BW/d, respectively] of NTU 101 was evaluated. Lactobacillus rhamnosus BCRC 16000 (BCRC 16000) and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei BCRC 14023 (BCRC 14023) strains were given to control groups. The results indicated that NTU 101 powder improved anti-oxidant capacity, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, and slightly ameliorated body weight loss in DSS-treated mice during the final days of the study. This indicated that NTU 101 powder can relieve the clinical symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Probiotic and Synbiotic Sorbets Produced with Jussara (Euterpe edulis) Pulp: Evaluation Throughout the Storage Period and Effect of the Matrix on Probiotics Exposed to Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids.

The aims of the present study were to develop and evaluate different formulations of probiotic and synbiotic sorbets produced with jussara (Euterpe edulis) pulp, polydextrose, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA3, and Lactobacillus paracasei BGP1. The pasteurized jussara pulp presented high content of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, which were not inhibitory to the probiotics used in this study. The levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins present in the sorbets were also high and kept stable for 120 days, as well as the populations of both probiotics. On the other hand, probiotic populations reduced ca. 4 log CFU/g when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Altogether, the sorbets produced in this study showed interesting results, indicating the viability on producing functional foods with probiotics, prebiotics, and other components that are rich in polyphenols, such as jussara pulp. The combination of these elements can improve the health beneficial effects of these compounds and provide important advantages to the intestinal microbiota of consumers.

Effects of an ethanol extract from Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 fermented skimmed milk on lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontal inflammation in rats.

The increased incidence of periodontal disease in recent years has garnered considerable attention. Numerous studies have confirmed that probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, can ameliorate periodontal inflammation. The current study aimed to assess the effect of an ethanol extract of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101-fermented skimmed milk (NTU101FM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontal inflammation in rats. NTU101FM ethanol extract significantly ameliorated the weight loss caused by periodontal inflammation. NTU101FM ethanol extract treatment also reduced the oral microbial levels and decreased the levels of alveolar bone loss. Finally, NTU101FM ethanol extract was found to ameliorate periodontal inflammation by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stresses induced by LPS. Overall, our findings demonstrate that NTU101FM ethanol extract could be developed as a functional food that could ameliorate periodontal inflammation.

Protective effect of sugars on storage stability of microwave freeze-dried and freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei F19.

AIMS: Microwave freeze drying (MWFD) in comparison with conventional freeze drying allows for intensification of the preservation process of lactic acid bacteria without imposing additional processing stress. Viability as a function of storage time of microwave freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 was investigated in comparison to conventionally lyophilized bacteria of the same strain. Furthermore, the impact of the protectants, sorbitol, trehalose and maltodextrin, on shelf life was analysed. METHODS AND RESULTS: The highest inactivation rates of 0·035 and 0·045 day-1 , respectively, were found for cultures without protectants. Thus, all additives were found to exhibit a protective effect during storage with inactivation rates between 0·015 and 0·040 day-1 . Although trehalose and maltodextrin samples were in the glassy state during storage, in contrast to samples containing sorbitol as protectant, the best protective effect could be found for sorbitol with the lowest inactivation rate of 0·015 day-1 . CONCLUSIONS: Due to its low molecular weight, it might protect cells owing to better adsorption to the cytoplasma membrane. Sorbitol additionally shows antioxidative properties. Storage behaviour of microwave freeze-dried cultures follows the typical behaviour of a product dried by conventional lyophilization. No significant influence of the drying technique on storage behaviour was detected. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: General findings concerning storage behaviour in freeze drying are likely to be applicable in MWFD with only slight adjustments.

Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Drug Precursors by Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 as a Biocatalyst.

Global sales of single enantiomeric drug products are growing at an alarming rate every year. A total of 7 bacterial strains were screened for their ability to reduce acetophenones to its corresponding alcohol. Among these strains Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 was found to be the most successful biocatalyst to reduce the ketones to the corresponding alcohols. The reaction conditions were systematically optimized for the reducing agent Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6, which showed high enantioselectivity and conversion for the bioreduction. The preparative scale asymmetric reduction of 3-methoxyacetophenone (1h) by Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 gave (R)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethanol (2h) with 92% yield and 99% enantiomeric excess. Compound 2h could be used for the synthesis of (S)-rivastigmine which has a great potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This study demonstrates that Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 can be used as a biocatalyst to obtain chiral carbinol with excellent yield and selectivity. The whole cell catalyzed the reductions of ketone substrates on the preparative scale, demonstrating that Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 would be a valuable biocatalyst for the preparation of chiral aromatic alcohols of pharmaceutical interest.

Whole Peptidoglycan Extracts from the Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei M5 Strain Exert Anticancer Activity In Vitro.

The Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei M5 strain exerted potential anticancer activity through the cell wall. In this study, whole peptidoglycan (WPG) was extracted from the Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei M5 strain and was evaluated for anticancer effects as well as its properties. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the presence of WPG with dominant bands of approximately 14.4 kDa. Further analysis revealed that the amino acids present in the WPG consisted of alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, and lysine in a molar ratio of approximately 8 : 5 : 3 : 3.5. In addition, the cell viability of HT-29 cells with WPG addition was investigated with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and trypan blue exclusion (TBE) assays, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with a transmission electron microscope, flow cytometry, and semiquantitative RT-PCR. These results showed that WPG exerted cytotoxic effects on colon cancer HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner and upregulated proapoptotic genes, while downregulating antiapoptotic genes. The gene expression study definitively revealed that WPG induced a mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway.