Impact of maternal Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and scGOS/lcFOS supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the maternal immune system and milk composition.

Introduction: Maternal synbiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can significantly influence the immune system. Prebiotics and probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system by preventing or ameliorating among others intestinal disorders. This study focused on the immunomodulatory effects of B. breve M-16V and short chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long chain fructo-oligosachairdes (lcFOS), including systemic and mucosal compartments and milk composition. Methods: Lewis rats were orally administered with the synbiotic or vehicle during pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days). At the weaning day, small intestine (SI), mammary gland (MG), adipose tissue, milk, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), salivary gland (SG), feces and cecal content were collected from the mothers. Results: The immunoglobulinome profile showed increased IgG2c in plasma and milk, as well as elevated sIgA in feces at weaning. The supplementation improved lipid metabolism through enhanced brown adipose tissue activity and reinforced the intestinal barrier by increasing the expression of Muc3, Cldn4, and Ocln. The higher production of short chain fatty acids in the cecum and increased Bifidobacterium counts suggest a potential positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Discussion: These findings indicate that maternal synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation improves their immunological status and improved milk composition.

Metodología 'SLIDE-4-U' para implicar al alumnado en el desarrollo de la clase presencial / How to involve students in the development of the face-to-face class: the 'SLIDE-4-U' methodology

Introducción: Desde hace unos años, tanto en grupos grandes como pequeños, y principalmente en clases en línea, se hapuesto en práctica la metodología ‘SLIDE-4-U’ o ‘una diapositiva para ti’ (2020PID-UB/023), con el objetivo de implicar alestudiante en su propio proceso de aprendizaje y en el de sus compañeros. Se consiguió mediante la participación delalumnado en la explicación en clase de diapositivas específicamente diseñadas para este fin. Métodos: La experiencia se llevó a cabo en el primer semestre del curso 2021-22 en la asignatura Nutrición Molecular delgrado de Nutrición Humana y Dietética (Universitat de Barcelona). Se preparó una sesión de seminario presencial centrada en inmunonutrición. El profesor dirigió la sesión seleccionando de forma aleatoria al estudiante, que debía explicar ladiapositiva sin preparación previa. Las explicaciones del alumnado fueron complementadas o corregidas por el profesordurante el desarrollo de la actividad. Al final del seminario se realizó una encuesta de opinión en la que se constató labuena aceptación de esta iniciativa (puntuaciones medias superiores a 4,2 sobre 5). Resultados: El alumnado consideró que era un reto explicar una diapositiva sin prepararla previamente y que este hecho,asociado a no saber quién haría la explicación, había provocado un cierto clima de nerviosismo. Ahora bien, la mayoríaestaba de acuerdo en que los esquemas/imágenes aportados fueron suficientes para poder desarrollar la actividad y quelas explicaciones hechas por los compañeros eran suficientemente correctas. Asimismo, también valoraban positivamente la participación del profesor a la hora de completar las explicaciones de sus compañeros. En general, la metodologíautilizada hizo que el alumnado fuera más consciente de que las diapositivas tienen una estructura y un objetivo, y de ladificultad de comunicar correctamente...(AU)

Introduction: Lately, both in large and small groups and mainly in online classes, the 'SLIDE-4-U' or 'one slide for you' methodology (2020PID-UB/023) has been put into practice, with the aim of involving the student in their own learning process and that of their classmates. It is achieved through the participation of the students in the explanation of slides in class, specially designed for this purpose. Methods: The experience was carried out in the first semester of the 2021-22 academic year in the subject Molecular Nutrition of the Human Nutrition and Dietetics degree (Universitat de Barcelona). A face-to-face seminar session focused on immunonutrition was prepared with this type of material. The teacher led the session by randomly selecting the student, who had to explain the slide without prior preparation. The explanations of the students were complemented and/or corrected by the teacher, during the development of the activity. At the end of the seminar, an opinion survey was carried out in which the good acceptance of this initiative was verified (average scores higher than 4.2 out of 5). Results: The students considered that it was a challenge to explain a slide without previously preparing it, and that this fact, associated with not knowing who would do the explanation, had caused a certain climate of nervousness. However, the majority agreed that the diagrams/images provided were sufficient to be able to carry out the activity and that the explanations made by the classmates were correct enough. Likewise, they also positively valued the teacher's participation when completing the explanations of their classmates. In general, the methodology used made the students more aware that the slides have a structure and an objective, and of the difficulty of communicating correctly...(AU)

Effect of Rotavirus Infection and 2'-Fucosyllactose Administration on Rat Intestinal Gene Expression.

Viral infections are described as modifying host gene expression; however, there is limited insight regarding rotavirus (RV) infections. This study aimed to assess the changes in intestinal gene expression after RV infection in a preclinical model, and the effect of 2-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) on this process. From days 2 to 8 of life, rats were supplemented with the dietary oligosaccharide 2'-FL or vehicle. In addition, an RV was inoculated on day 5 to nonsupplemented animals (RV group) and to 2'-FL-fed animals (RV+2'-FL group). Incidence and severity of diarrhea were established. A portion from the middle part of the small intestine was excised for gene expression analysis by microarray kit and qPCR. In nonsupplemented animals, RV-induced diarrhea upregulated host antiviral genes (e.g., Oas1a, Irf7, Ifi44, Isg15) and downregulated several genes involved in absorptive processes and intestinal maturation (e.g., Onecut2, and Ccl19). The 2'-FL-supplemented and infected animals had less diarrhea; however, their gene expression was affected in a similar way as the control-infected animals, with the exception of some immunity/maturation markers that were differentially expressed (e.g., Ccl12 and Afp). Overall, assessing the expression of these key genes may be useful in the evaluation of the efficacy of nutritional interventions or treatments for RV infection.

Influence of Diets Enriched with Flavonoids (Cocoa and Hesperidin) on the Systemic Immunity of Intensively Trained and Exhausted Rats.

The aim of this study was to establish the influence of flavonoid-enriched diets on the immune alterations induced by an intensive training and a final exhaustion test in rats. A flavanol-enriched diet (with 10% cocoa, C10 diet) and a flavanol and flavanone-enriched diet (C10 plus 0.5% hesperidin, CH diet) were used. Lewis rats were fed either a standard diet, C10 diet or CH diet while they were submitted to an intensive running training on a treadmill. After 6 weeks, samples were obtained 24 h after performing a regular training (T groups) and after carrying out a final exhaustion test (TE groups). The C10 diet attenuated the increase in plasma cortisol induced by exhaustion, while both the C10 and the CH diets prevented the alterations in the spleen Th cell proportion. The experimental diets also induced an increase in serum immunoglobulin concentration and an enhancement of spleen natural killer cytotoxicity, which may be beneficial in situations with a weakened immunity. Most of the effects observed in the CH groups seem to be due to the cocoa content. Overall, a dietary intervention with flavonoids enhances immune function, partially attenuating the alterations in systemic immunity induced by intensive training or exhausting exercise.

A Galactooligosaccharide Product Decreases the Rotavirus Infection in Suckling Rats.

The leading cause of gastroenteritis among young children worldwide is the Group A rotaviruses (RV), which produce a wide range of symptoms, from a limited diarrhea to severe dehydration and even death. After an RV infection, immunity is not complete and less severe re-infections usually occur. These infections could be ameliorated by nutritional interventions with bioactive compounds, such as prebiotics. The aim of this research was to study the impact of a particular galactooligosaccharide (B-GOS) on the RV symptomatology and immune response during two consecutive infections. Lewis neonatal rats were inoculated with SA11 (first RV infection) on day 6 of life and with EDIM (second RV infection) on day 17 of life. B-GOS group was administered by oral gavage with a daily dose of B-GOS between days three to nine of life. Clinical and immunological variables were assessed during both infective processes. In the first infection, after the prebiotic intervention with B-GOS, a lower incidence, duration, and overall severity of the diarrhea (p < 0.05) was observed. In addition, it improved another severity indicator, the fecal weight output, during the diarrhea period (p < 0.05). The second RV infection failed in provoking diarrhea in the groups studied. The immune response during first infection with SA11 was not affected by B-GOS administration and had no impact on second infection, but the prebiotic intervention significantly increased IFN-γ and TNF-α intestinal production after the second infection (p < 0.05). In summary, B-GOS supplementation is able to reduce the incidence and severity of the RV-associated diarrhea and to influence the immune response against RV infections.

A Cocoa Diet Can Partially Attenuate the Alterations in Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity Induced by a Single Session of Intensive Exercise in Rats.

Background: Following intensive sports events, a higher rate of upper respiratory tract infections and the appearance of gastrointestinal symptomatology have been reported. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on the cecal microbiota and mucosal immune system of rats submitted to high-intensity acute exercise, as well as to elucidate the involvement of cocoa fiber in such effects. Methods: Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, a diet containing 10% cocoa providing 5% fiber and a diet containing only 5% cocoa fiber. After 25 days, half of the rats of each diet performed an exhaustion running test. Sixteen hours later, samples were obtained to assess, among others, the cecal microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) composition, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs) lymphocyte composition, and immunoglobulin (Ig) content in salivary glands. Results: The intake of cocoa, partially due to its fiber content, improved the SCFA production, prevented some changes in PPs and in MLNs lymphocyte composition and also decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Cocoa diet, contrary to cocoa fiber, did not prevent the lower salivary IgM induced by exercise. Conclusion: A cocoa dietary intake can partially attenuate the alterations in microbiota and mucosal immunity induced by a single session of intensive exercise.

Protective Effect of a Cocoa-Enriched Diet on Oxidative Stress Induced by Intensive Acute Exercise in Rats.

Intensive acute exercise can induce oxidative stress, leading to muscle damage and immune function impairment. Cocoa diet could prevent this oxidative stress and its consequences on immunity. Our aim was to assess the effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by peritoneal macrophages, blood immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, leukocyte counts, and the physical performance of rats submitted to an intensive acute exercise, as well as to elucidate the involvement of cocoa fiber in such effects. For this purpose, Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, i.e., a diet containing 10% cocoa (C10), or a diet containing 5% cocoa fiber (CF) for 25 days. Then, half of the rats of each diet ran on a treadmill until exhaustion, and 16 h later, the samples were obtained. Both C10 and CF diets significantly prevented the increase in ROS production. However, neither the cocoa diet or the cocoa fiber-enriched diet prevented the decrease in serum IgG induced by acute exercise. Therefore, although the cocoa-enriched diet was able to prevent the excessive oxidative stress induced by intensive exercise, this was not enough to avoid the immune function impairment due to exercise.

Influence of Consumption of Two Peruvian Cocoa Populations on Mucosal and Systemic Immune Response in an Allergic Asthma Rat Model.

Different cocoa populations have demonstrated a protective role in a rat model of allergic asthma by attenuating the immunoglobulin (Ig) E synthesis and partially protecting against anaphylactic response. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of diets containing two native Peruvian cocoa populations ("Amazonas Peru" or APC, and "Criollo de Montaña" or CMC) and an ordinary cocoa (OC) on the bronchial compartment and the systemic and mucosal immune system in the same rat model of allergic asthma. Among other variables, cells and IgA content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum anti-allergen antibody response were analyzed. The three cocoa populations prevented the increase of the serum specific IgG1 (T helper 2 isotype). The three cocoa diets decreased asthma-induced granulocyte increase in the BALF, which was mainly due to the reduction in the proportion of eosinophils. Moreover, both the OC and CMC diets were able to prevent the leukocyte infiltration caused by asthma induction in both the trachea and nasal cavity and decreased the IgA in both fecal and BALF samples. Overall, these results highlight the potential of different cocoa populations in the prevention of allergic asthma.

Preventive Effect of a Postbiotic and Prebiotic Mixture in a Rat Model of Early Life Rotavirus Induced-Diarrhea.

Rotavirus (RV) is the main cause of gastroenteritis in children. Prebiotics and, more recently, postbiotics are used for preventing and treating gastrointestinal infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a LactofidusTM, short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) mixture, and their combination on RV infection, in a rat model, for early life diarrhea. Fifteen litters of suckling rats were intragastrically administered daily with the vehicle, the prebiotic mixture, the postbiotic or the combination. The RV was inoculated on day 5 and then fecal samples were clinically evaluated daily. Viral shedding, intestinal permeability assay, in vitro blocking assay, immunoglobulin profiles, and anti-RV response were assessed at day 8 and 16 of life. Cecal microbiota composition, intestinal gene expression, and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed at day 16. The incidence and severity of diarrhea were significantly reduced by all the supplementations. Moreover, they showed blocking activity, changes in the immunoglobulin profiles, in gut microbiota, and in the intestinal gene expression. The prebiotic mixture reduced gut permeability and changed the SCFA profile, whereas the postbiotic enhanced the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The combination preserved most of the individual observed effects, and furthermore, complementary effects, such as an increase in white blood cells and lymphocytes recruitment, as well as upregulation of TLR7 and TLR9 gene expression.

Rat Mucosal Immunity following an Intensive Chronic Training and an Exhausting Exercise: Effect of Hesperidin Supplementation.

Stressful situations such as a high-intensity exercise or exhausting training programs can act as immune disruptors leading to transitory immunodepression status, which can be accompanied by alterations of the gastrointestinal functions. Hesperidin intake has demonstrated ergogenic activity and is able to influence the intestinal ecosystem and immunity. We aimed to investigate the effect of hesperidin consumption in rats submitted to an intense training and a final exhaustion test, focusing on the functionality of the intestinal immune system and on the cecal microbiota. Rats, supplemented or not with hesperidin, were intensively trained on a treadmill for 5 weeks. Samples were obtained 24 h after a regular training session, and immediately and 24 h after a final exhaustion test. Cecal microbiota and composition and function of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) lymphocytes and mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA) were determined. Results showed that chronic intense exercise followed by an exhausting test induced changes in the intestinal immune compartment such as the distribution and function of MLN lymphocytes. Although the hesperidin supplementation did not prevent these alterations, it was able to enhance IgA synthesis in the intestinal compartment. This could be important in enhancing the immune intestinal barrier in this stressful situation.

Effects of a Postbiotic and Prebiotic Mixture on Suckling Rats' Microbiota and Immunity.

Human milk serves as a model for infant formula providing nutritional solutions for infants not able to receive enough mother's milk. Infant formulas aim to mimic the composition and functionality of human milk by providing ingredients reflecting those of the latest human milk insights, such as prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the supplementation with a postbiotic (LactofidusTM) and its combination with the prebiotics short-chain galactooligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (lcFOS) in a preclinical model of healthy suckling rats. Pups were supplemented daily with LactofidusTM (POST group) and/or scGOS/lcFOS (P+P and PRE groups, respectively). Body weight and fecal consistency were analyzed. At the end of the study, immunoglobulin (Ig) profile, intestinal gene expression, microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) proportion were quantified. The supplementation with all nutritional interventions modulated the Ig profile, but the prebiotic mixture and the postbiotic induced differential effects: whereas scGOS/lcFOS induced softer feces and modulated microbiota composition and SCFA profile, Lactofidus™ upregulated Toll-like receptors gene expression. The use of the combination of scGOS/lcFOS and Lactofidus™ showed the effects observed for the oligosaccharides separately, as well as showing a synergistic impact on animal growth. Thus, the combined use of both products seems to be a good strategy to modulate immune and microbial features in early life.

Does Flavonoid Consumption Improve Exercise Performance? Is It Related to Changes in the Immune System and Inflammatory Biomarkers? A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies since 2005.

Flavonoids are attracting increasing attention due to their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, little is known about their role in exercise performance in association with immune function. This systematic review firstly aimed to shed light on the ergogenic potential of flavonoids. A search strategy was run using SCOPUS database. The returned studies were screened by prespecified eligibility criteria, including intervention lasting at least one week and performance objectively quantified, among others. Fifty-one studies (54 articles) met the inclusion criteria, involving 1288 human subjects, either physically untrained or trained. Secondly, we aimed to associate these studies with the immune system status. Seventeen of the selected studies (18 articles) assessed changes in the immune system. The overall percentage of studies reporting an improved exercise performance following flavonoid supplementation was 37%, the proportion being 25% when considering quercetin, 28% for flavanol-enriched extracts, and 54% for anthocyanins-enriched extracts. From the studies reporting an enhanced performance, only two, using anthocyanin supplements, focused on the immune system and found certain anti-inflammatory effects of these flavonoids. These results suggest that flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, may exert beneficial effects for athletes' performances, although further studies are encouraged to establish the optimal dosage and to clarify their impact on immune status.

Association of Maternal Microbiota and Diet in Cord Blood Cytokine and Immunoglobulin Profiles.

Mothers confer natural passive immunization to their infants through the transplacental pathway during the gestation period. The objective of the present study was to establish at birth the maternal and cord plasma concentration and relationship of immunoglobulins (Igs), cytokines (CKs), and adipokines. In addition, the impact of the maternal microbiota and diet was explored. The plasma profile of these components was different between mothers and babies, with the levels of many CKs, IgM, IgG2a, IgE, IgA, and leptin significantly higher in mothers than in the cord sample. Moreover, the total Igs, all IgG subtypes, IgE, and the Th1/Th2 ratio positively correlated in the mother-infant pair. Maternal dietary components such as monounsaturated fatty acids-polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber were positively associated with some immune factors such as IgA in cord samples. The microbiota composition clustering also influenced the plasma profile of some factors (i.e., many CKs, some Ig, and adiponectin). In conclusion, we have established the concentration of these immunomodulatory factors in the maternal-neonatal pair at birth, some positive associations, and the influence of maternal diet and the microbiota composition, suggesting that the immune status during pregnancy, in terms of CKs and Igs levels, can influence the immune status of the infant at birth.

Alterations in the mucosal immune system by a chronic exhausting exercise in Wistar rats.

Exhausting exercise can disturb immune and gastrointestinal functions. Nevertheless, the impact of it on mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue has not been studied in depth. Here, we aim to establish the effects of an intensive training and exhausting exercise on the mucosal immunity of rats and to approach the mechanisms involved. Rats were submitted to a high-intensity training consisting of running in a treadmill 5 days per week for 5 weeks, involving 2 weekly exhaustion tests. At the end, samples were obtained before (T), immediately after (TE) and 24 h after (TE24) an additional final exhaustion test. The training programme reduced the salivary production of immunoglobulin A, impaired the tight junction proteins' gene expression and modified the mesenteric lymph node lymphocyte composition and function, increasing the ratio between Tαß+ and B lymphocytes, reducing their proliferation capacity and enhancing their interferon-γ secretion. As a consequence of the final exhaustion test, the caecal IgA content increased, while it impaired the gut zonula occludens expression and enhanced the interleukin-2 and interferon-γ secretion. Our results indicate that intensive training for 5 weeks followed or not by an additional exhaustion disrupts the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue and the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in rats.

Attenuating Effect of Peruvian Cocoa Populations on the Acute Asthmatic Response in Brown Norway Rats.

Cocoa contains bioactive components, which vary according to genetic and environmental factors. The present study aimed to ascertain the anti-allergic properties of native Peruvian cocoa populations ("Blanco de Piura" or BPC, "Amazonas Peru" or APC, "Criollo de Montaña" or CMC, "Chuncho" or CCC, and an ordinary cocoa or OC). To do so, after an initial in vitro approach, an in vivo study focused on the induction of an anaphylactic response associated with allergic asthma in Brown Norway rats was carried out. Based on their polyphenol content, antioxidant activity and in vitro effects, the APC and CMC were selected to be included in the in vivo study. Cocoa diets were tested in a model of allergic asthma in which anaphylactic response was assessed by changes in body temperature, motor activity and body weight. The concentration of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), mast cell protease and leukotrienes was also quantified in serum and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CMC and OC populations exhibited a protective effect on the allergic asthma rat model as evidenced by means of a partial protection against anaphylactic response and, above all, in the synthesis of IgE and the release of mast cell protease.

Gut Health-Promoting Benefits of a Dietary Supplement of Vitamins with Inulin and Acacia Fibers in Rats.

The study's objective was to ascertain whether a nutritional multivitamin and mineral supplement enriched with two different dietary fibers influences microbiota composition, mineral absorption, and some immune and metabolic biomarkers in adult rats. Nine-week-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the reference group; the group receiving a daily supplement based on a food matrix with proteins, vitamins, and minerals; and two other groups receiving this supplement enriched with inulin (V + I) or acacia (V + A) fiber for four weeks. Microbiota composition was determined in cecal content and mineral content in fecal, blood, and femur samples. Intestinal IgA concentration, hematological, and biochemical variables were evaluated. Both V + I and V + A supplementations increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla, which were associated with a higher presence of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. V + A supplementation increased calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc concentrations in femur. V + I supplementation increased the fecal IgA content and reduced plasma total cholesterol and uric acid concentration. Both fiber-enriched supplements tested herein seem to be beneficial to gut-health, although differently.

Sexual Dimorphism Has Low Impact on the Response against Rotavirus Infection in Suckling Rats.

Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading pathogens causing severe and acute diarrhea in children and animals. It is well known that sex contributes to shaping immune responses, thus it could also influence the incidence and severity of the RV infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sexual dimorphism on RV infection and its antibody (Ab) immune response in a suckling rat model. Neonatal suckling rats were intragastrically RV-inoculated and clinical indexes derived from fecal samples, as well as immune variables were evaluated. Higher severity of diarrhea, fecal weight and viral elimination were observed in males compared to females (p < 0.05). Regarding the adaptative immunity, the RV shaped the immune response to lower IgG1 levels and an increased Th1/Th2-associated Ab response (p < 0.05). Although females had lower IgG2a levels than males (p < 0.05), the specific anti-RV antibody levels were not sex influenced. In fact, at this age the passive transfer of anti-RV antibodies through breast milk was the critical factor for clustering animals, independently of their sex. It can be concluded that male and female diarrhea severity in RV infection is slightly influenced by sexual dimorphism and is not associated with the specific immune response against the virus.

Development and Characterization of an Allergic Asthma Rat Model for Interventional Studies.

Allergic asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of the airways, however it still remains underdiagnosed and hence undertreated. Therefore, an allergic asthma rat model would be useful to be applied in future therapeutic strategy studies. The aim of the present study was to develop an objective model of allergic asthma in atopic rats that allows the induction and quantification of anaphylactic shock with quantitative variables. Female Brown Norway rats were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), alum and Bordetella pertussis toxin and boosted a week later with OVA in alum. At day 28, all rats received an intranasal challenge with OVA. Anaphylactic response was accurately assessed by changes in motor activity and body temperature. Leukotriene concentration was determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and total and IgE anti-OVA antibodies were quantified in blood and BALF samples. The asthmatic animals' motility and body temperature were reduced after the shock for at least 20 h. The asthmatic animals developed anti-OVA IgE antibodies both in BALF and in serum. These results show an effective and relatively rapid model of allergic asthma in female Brown Norway rats that allows the quantification of the anaphylactic response.

Influence of Hesperidin on Systemic Immunity of Rats Following an Intensive Training and Exhausting Exercise.

Intensive training and exhausting exercise can disrupt innate and acquired immunity. The flavanone hesperidin has shown immunomodulatory properties in physiological and some pathological conditions, and positive effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether it also prevents exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of oral hesperidin supplementation on the systemic immune system in rats following an intensive training and exhausting exercise. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were randomized into an intensive training group or a sedentary group. Intensive training was induced by running in a treadmill 5 days per week (including two exhausting tests) for five weeks. Throughout the training period, 200 mg/kg of hesperidin or vehicle was administered by oral gavage three times per week. At the end, blood, thymus, spleen and macrophages were collected before, immediately after and 24 h after an additional final exhaustion test. Hesperidin supplementation enhanced natural killer cell cytotoxicity and the proportion of phagocytic monocytes, attenuated the secretion of cytokines by stimulated macrophages, prevented the leukocytosis induced by exhaustion and increased the proportion of T helper cells in the thymus, blood and spleen. These results suggest that hesperidin can prevent exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations.

Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 Supplementation in Rats during Pregnancy and Lactation Impacts Maternal and Offspring Lipid Profile, Immune System and Microbiota.

Probiotics have shown potential for their use in early life. This study aimed to investigate whether the administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 during pregnancy and lactation periods impacts maternal and offspring plasma lipid profile, immune system and microbiota. Rats were supplemented with the probiotic during gestation and two weeks of lactation. After supplementation, although the microbiota composition was not affected, the probiotic strain was detected in all cecal contents of dams and in some of their pups. Dams showed reduced proportion of T cytotoxic cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes, modulation of intestinal cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12) and changes in plasma fatty acids (20:0, 22:0, 20:5 n-3, and 18:3 n-6). Pups showed changes in immunoglobulins (intestinal IgA and plasmatic IgG2a and IgG2c) and fatty acid profile (17:0, 22:0, and 18:2 n-6). Overall, Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 supplementation contributed to beneficially modulating the immune system of the mother and its offspring.