Inhibition of Toxic Shock Syndrome-Associated Staphylococcus aureus by Probiotic Lactobacilli.

Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen with many infections originating on mucosal surfaces. One common group of S. aureus is the USA200 (CC30) clonal group, which produces toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). Many USA200 infections occur on mucosal surfaces, particularly in the vagina and gastrointestinal tract. This allows these organisms to cause cases of menstrual TSS and enterocolitis. The current study examined the ability of two lactobacilli, Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LA-14 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain HN001, for their ability to inhibit the growth of TSST-1 positive S. aureus, the production of TSST-1, and the ability of TSST-1 to induce pro-inflammatory chemokines from human vaginal epithelial cells (HVECs). In competition growth experiments, L. rhamnosus did not affect the growth of TSS S. aureus but did inhibit the production of TSST-1; this effect was partially due to acidification of the growth medium. L. acidophilus was both bactericidal and prevented the production of TSST-1 by S. aureus. This effect appeared to be partially due to acidification of the growth medium, production of H2O2, and production of other antibacterial molecules. When both organisms were incubated with S. aureus, the effect of L. acidophilus LA-14 dominated. In in vitro experiments with HVECs, neither lactobacillus induced significant production of the chemokine interleukin-8, whereas TSST-1 did induce production of the chemokine. When the lactobacilli were incubated with HVECs in the presence of TSST-1, the lactobacilli reduced chemokine production. These data suggest that these two bacteria in probiotics could reduce the incidence of menstrual and enterocolitis-associated TSS. IMPORTANCE Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) Staphylococcus aureus commonly colonize mucosal surfaces, giving them the ability to cause TSS through the action of TSS toxin-1 (TSST-1). This study examined the ability of two probiotic lactobacilli to inhibit S. aureus growth and TSST-1 production, and the reduction of pro-inflammatory chemokine production by TSST-1. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain HN001 inhibited TSST-1 production due to acid production but did not affect S. aureus growth. Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LA-14 was bactericidal against S. aureus, partially due to acid and H2O2 production, and consequently also inhibited TSST-1 production. Neither lactobacillus induced the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines by human vaginal epithelial cells, and both inhibited chemokine production by TSST-1. These data suggest that the two probiotics could reduce the incidence of mucosa-associated TSS, including menstrual TSS and cases originating as enterocolitis.

The Effect of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis Bi-26 on Simulated Infant Gut Microbiome and Metabolites.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) shape the developing infant gut microbiota. In this study, a semi-continuous colon simulator was used to evaluate the effect of 2 HMOs-2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL)-on the composition of infant faecal microbiota and microbial metabolites. The simulations were performed with and without a probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis Bi-26 (Bi-26) and compared with a control that lacked an additional carbon source. The treatments with HMOs decreased α-diversity and increased Bifidobacterium species versus the control, but the Bifidobacterium species differed between simulations. The levels of acetic acid and the sum of all short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) trended toward an increase with 2'-FL, as did lactic acid with 2'-FL and 3-FL, compared with control. A clear correlation was seen between the consumption of HMOs and the increase in SCFAs (-0.72) and SCFAs + lactic acid (-0.77), whereas the correlation between HMO consumption and higher total bifidobacterial numbers was moderate (-0.46). Bi-26 decreased propionic acid levels with 2'-FL. In conclusion, whereas infant faecal microbiota varied between infant donors, the addition of 2'-FL and 3-FL, alone or in combination, increased the relative abundance and numbers Bifidobacterium species in the semi-continuous colon simulation model, correlating with the production of microbial metabolites. These findings may suggest that HMOs and probiotics benefit the developing infant gut microbiota.

A Healthy Vaginal Microbiota Remains Stable during Oral Probiotic Supplementation: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The primary objective of this randomised, placebo-controlled, triple-blind study was to assess whether orally consumed Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 (La-14) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) colonise a healthy human vagina. Furthermore, potential effects on vaginal microbiota and immune markers were explored. Fifty women devoid of vaginal complaints (Nugent score 0-3 and vaginal pH ≤ 4.5) were randomised into a 2-week intervention with either La-14 and HN001 as the verum product or a comparable placebo. Vaginal swab samples were collected at baseline, after one and two weeks of intervention, and after a one-week follow-up, for assessing colonisation of the supplemented lactobacilli, vaginal microbiota, and six specific immune markers. Colonisation of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus was not observed above the assay detection limit (5.29 and 5.11 log 10 genomes/swab for L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, respectively). Vaginal microbiotas remained stable and predominated by lactobacilli throughout the intervention, and vaginal pH remained optimal (at least 90% of participants in both groups had pH 4.0 or 4.5 throughout the study). Immune markers elafin and human ß-defensin 3 (HBD-3) were significantly decreased in the verum group (p = 0.022 and p = 0.028, respectively) but did not correlate with any microbiota changes. Adverse events raised no safety concerns, and no undesired changes in the vaginal microbiota or immune markers were detected.

Perspective: Leveraging the Gut Microbiota to Predict Personalized Responses to Dietary, Prebiotic, and Probiotic Interventions.

Humans often show variable responses to dietary, prebiotic, and probiotic interventions. Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is a key determinant for this population heterogeneity. Here, we provide an overview of some of the major computational and experimental tools being applied to critical questions of microbiota-mediated personalized nutrition and health. First, we discuss the latest advances in in silico modeling of the microbiota-nutrition-health axis, including the application of statistical, mechanistic, and hybrid artificial intelligence models. Second, we address high-throughput in vitro techniques for assessing interindividual heterogeneity, from ex vivo batch culturing of stool and continuous culturing in anaerobic bioreactors, to more sophisticated organ-on-a-chip models that integrate both host and microbial compartments. Third, we explore in vivo approaches for better understanding of personalized, microbiota-mediated responses to diet, prebiotics, and probiotics, from nonhuman animal models and human observational studies, to human feeding trials and crossover interventions. We highlight examples of existing, consumer-facing precision nutrition platforms that are currently leveraging the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss how the integration of a broader set of the tools and techniques described in this piece can generate the data necessary to support a greater diversity of precision nutrition strategies. Finally, we present a vision of a precision nutrition and healthcare future, which leverages the gut microbiota to design effective, individual-specific interventions.

Healthy Vaginal Microbiota and Influence of Probiotics Across the Female Life Span.

Vaginal microbiota plays a central role in women's health and reproduction. Vaginal microbiota is dynamic and shaped by hormonal shifts in each stage of a woman's life from pre-puberty to postmenopause. Current research has mainly focused on vaginal bacterial and fungal members of the community and emphasized their role in disease. However, the impact of balanced vaginal microbiota on health and its interaction with the host is yet poorly understood. High abundance of vaginal lactobacilli is most strongly associated with health, but the concept of health may vary as vaginal dysbiosis may be asymptomatic. Furthermore, there is a lot of variation between ethnic groups in terms of dominating vaginal bacteria. Probiotic lactobacilli could be a safe and natural means to balance and maintain healthy vaginal microbiota. Research evidence is accumulating on their role in supporting women's health throughout life. This review describes the current literature on vaginal microbiota, the major factors affecting its composition, and how the communities change in different life stages. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing available literature on probiotics and their impact on vaginal microbiota and health.

Characterization of vaginal fungal communities in healthy women and women with bacterial vaginosis (BV); a pilot study.

The role of the vaginal fungal community, the mycobiota, in women's health is an emerging area of research. Utilization of novel molecular technology enables more in-depth characterization and identification of fungal diversity, and their potential associations to health. The present study is a substudy of a larger observational clinical trial investigating the vaginal microbiota composition before and after antibiotic treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) infection in comparison to the microbiota of healthy women (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03187). Here, we characterized the vaginal mycobiota by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 2 region from vaginal microbial DNA collected from healthy women and women with BV and in relation to their treatment with oral metronidazole. Interestingly, both ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts and filamentous fungi consisting of more than 30 different species were detectable from 21 out of 94 vaginal swab samples. The mycobiota was dominated by Candida species (>60% of relative abundance) and especially with Candida albicans in both study groups. The abundance of C. albicans was inversely correlated with fungal diversity but did not correlate with Nugent scores. Metronidazole did not seem to have a major effect on the relative abundance of C. albicans. The results revealed the diversity of the fungal community within healthy and BV-infected women, which is worth exploring further.

Selective Utilization of the Human Milk Oligosaccharides 2'-Fucosyllactose, 3-Fucosyllactose, and Difucosyllactose by Various Probiotic and Pathogenic Bacteria.

Prebiotic human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are found in human milk, which are not digested by infants but are metabolized by beneficial gut bacteria. We determined the ability of 57 bacterial strains within the Family Lactobacillaceae and genera Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and potentially pathogenic bacteria to ferment the HMOs 2'-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, and difucosyllactose. In addition, prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactose, fucose, and glucose were evaluated as carbon sources for these bacterial strains. Bacterial growth was monitored using the automatic Bioscreen C system. Only certain bifidobacteria, such as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Bifidobacterium bifidum, as well as Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron utilized the studied HMOs as their sole carbon source, whereas almost all studied bacterial strains were able to utilize GOS, lactose, and glucose. The selectivity in utilization of HMOs by only certain bacteria can be advantageous by promoting beneficial microbes but not supporting the harmful pathogens in contrast to other less selective prebiotics.

Probiotic triangle of success; strain production, clinical studies and product development.

The successful development of probiotic foods and dietary supplements rests on three pillars; each with their specific challenges and opportunities. First, strain production; this depends on selecting the right strain with promising technological properties and safety profile. Further the manufacturing of the strain in a stable format at sufficiently high yield, following regulatory and customer requirements on culture media ingredients and other processing aids. The second pillar are the preclinical and clinical studies to document that the strain is a probiotic and exerts a health benefit on the host, the consumer. Especially when aiming for a regulator approved health claim, clinical studies need to be thoroughly performed; following appropriate ethical, scientific and regulatory guidelines. Finally, the probiotic will need to be incorporated in a product that can be brought to the consumer; a dietary supplement or a functional food. Because of the live nature of probiotics, specific challenges may need to be dealt with. Although experience from other strains is helpful in the process, the development is strain specific. Commercialisation and marketing of probiotics are strictly but differently regulated in most jurisdictions; defining what can and cannot be claimed.

Recovery of Vaginal Microbiota After Standard Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis Infection: An Observational Study.

Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV) affect negatively women's health. Understanding vaginal microbiota fluctuations in BV during and after antibiotic treatment would facilitate accurate decision-making on the treatment regimen, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, and potentially mitigate recurrence. We investigated vaginal microbiota composition of 30 women with BV before and after 5-day metronidazole treatment and compared the results with 30 healthy women. Vaginal microbiota was assessed by Nugent score and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in swabs on baseline Day 1, and on Day 8 and 15, after completion of antibiotic treatment by women with BV. Prior to antibiotic treatment (Day 1), BV-positive women were dominated by Lactobacillus iners (25.8%), Prevotella timonensis/bivia (18.0%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (14.6%), whereas healthy women were dominated by L. iners (37.5%) and Lactobacillus crispatus/acidophilus (19.2%). On Day 8, L. iners abundance increased in BV-treated women being significantly higher compared with healthy women (67.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.049). On Day 15, the relative abundance of all microbial taxa was similar between the groups. Vaginal microbiota of women with BV shifted to resemble that of healthy controls after metronidazole. Sequencing analysis provides more in-depth understanding of changes in vaginal microbiota. The role of L. iners in vaginal health and dysbiosis requires further investigations.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 for Metabolic Health: Review of the Research.

The growing worldwide epidemic of obesity and associated metabolic health comorbidities has resulted in an urgent need for safe and efficient nutritional solutions. The research linking obesity with gut microbiota dysbiosis has led to a hypothesis that certain bacterial strains could serve as probiotics helping in weight management and metabolic health. In the search for such strains, the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 (B420) on gut microbiota and metabolic health, and the mechanisms of actions, has been investigated in a variety of in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to highlight the research on B420 related to obesity, metabolic health, and the microbiota. Current research supports the hypothesis that gut dysbiosis leads to an imbalance in the inflammatory processes and loss of epithelial integrity. Bacterial components, like endotoxins, that leak out of the gut can invoke low-grade, chronic, and systemic inflammation. This imbalanced state is often referred to as metabolic endotoxemia. Scientific evidence indicates that B420 can slow down many of these detrimental processes via multiple signaling pathways, as supported by mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the connection of these mechanisms to clinical evidence on the effect of B420 in controlling weight gain in overweight and obese subjects. The research further indicates that B420 may improve the epithelial integrity by rebalancing a dysbiotic state induced by an obesogenic diet, for example by increasing the prevalence of lean phenotype microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila. We further discuss, in the context of delivering the health benefits of B420: the safety and technological aspects of the strain including genomic characterization, antibiotic resistance profiling, stability in the product, and survival of the live probiotic in the intestine. In summary, we conclude that the clinical and preclinical studies on metabolic health suggest that B420 may be a potential candidate in combating obesity; however, further clinical studies are needed.

Diets naturally rich in polyphenols and/or long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids differently affect microbiota composition in high-cardiometabolic-risk individuals.

AIMS: Gut microbiota significantly impacts human health and is influenced by dietary changes. We evaluated the effects of diets naturally rich in polyphenols (PP) and/or long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3) on microbiota composition in an ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk. METHODS: Seventy-eight individuals with high waist circumference and at least one additional component of the metabolic syndrome were randomized to an isoenergetic 8-week diet: (a) low LCn3 and PP; (b) high LCn3; (c) high PP; or (d) high LCn3 and PP. Microbiota analysis was performed on feces collected before and after the intervention. DGGE analysis of the predominant bacteria, Eubacterium rectale and Blautia coccoides group (Lachnospiraceae, EREC), Clostridium leptum (Ruminococcaceae, CLEPT), Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus group was performed. A quantitative real-time PCR was performed for the same group, additionally including Atopobium cluster (Coriobatteriaceae). Before and after the intervention, participants underwent a 75 g OGTT and a high-fat test meal to evaluate glucose and lipid response. RESULTS: Adherence to the four diets was optimal. PP significantly increased microbial diversity (p = 0.006) and CLEPT (p = 0.015), while it reduced EREC (p = 0.044). LCn3 significantly increased the numbers of Bifidobacteria (p = 0.041). Changes in CLEPT numbers correlated with changes in early insulin secretion (r = 0.263, p = 0.030). Changes in Atopobium numbers correlated with postprandial triglycerides in plasma (r = 0.266, p = 0.026) and large VLDL (r = 0.313, p = 0.009), and cholesterol in large VLDL (r = 0.319, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Diets naturally rich in PP or LCn3 influenced gut microbiota composition in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk. These modifications were associated with changes in glucose/lipid metabolism.

Nutritional Gaps and Supplementation in the First 1000 Days.

Optimized nutrition during the first 1000 days (from conception through the 2nd birthday) is critical for healthy development and a healthy life for the newborn. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are accompanied by physiological changes, increased energy needs, and changing requirements in the nutrients critical for optimal growth and development. Infants and toddlers also experience physiological changes and have specific nutritional needs. Food and nutrition experts can provide women of childbearing age with adequate dietary advice to optimize nutrition, as well as guidance on selecting appropriate dietary supplements. Considering the approaching 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) will be making specific recommendations for children, it is important to provide accurate scientific information to support health influencers in the field of nutrition. The purpose of this review is to summarize the nutrition and supplementation literature for the first 1000 days; to highlight nutritional and knowledge gaps; and to educate nutrition influencers to provide thoughtful guidance to mothers and families. Optimal nutrition during pregnancy through early childhood is critical for supporting a healthy life. Nutrition influencers, such as dietitians, obstetricians/gynecologists, and other relevant health professionals, should continue guiding supplement and food intake and work closely with expectant families and nutrition gatekeepers.

The effect of 2'-fucosyllactose on simulated infant gut microbiome and metabolites; a pilot study in comparison to GOS and lactose.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) shape gut microbiota during infancy by acting as fermentable energy source. Using a semi-continuous colon simulator, effect of an HMO, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), on composition of the infant microbiota and microbial metabolites was evaluated in comparison to galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and lactose and control without additional carbon source. Data was analysed according to faecal sample donor feeding type: breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF), and to rate of 2'-FL fermentation: fast or slow. Variation was found between the simulations in the ability to utilise 2'-FL. The predominant phyla regulated by 2'-FL, GOS and lactose were significant increase in Firmicutes, numerical in Actinobacteria, and numerical decrease in Proteobacteria compared to control. Verrucomicrobia increased in FF accounted for Akkermansia, whereas in fast-fermenting simulations Actinobacteria increased with trend for higher Bifidobacterium, and Proteobacteria decrease accounted for Enterobacteriaceae. Short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid with 2'-FL were produced in intermediate levels being between ones generated by the control and GOS or lactose. In 2'-FL fast-fermenting group, acetic acid specifically increased with 2'-FL, whereas lactose and GOS also increased lactic acid. The results highlight specificity of 2'-FL as energy source for only certain microbes over GOS and lactose in the simulated gut model.

A Small In Vitro Fermentation Model for Screening the Gut Microbiota Effects of Different Fiber Preparations.

The development of prebiotic fibers requires fast high-throughput screening of their effects on the gut microbiota. We demonstrated the applicability of a mictotiter plate in the in vitro fermentation models for the screening of potentially-prebiotic dietary fibers. The effects of seven rye bran-, oat- and linseed-derived fiber preparations on the human fecal microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid production were studied. The model was also used to study whether fibers can alleviate the harmful effects of amoxicillin-clavulanate on the microbiota. The antibiotic induced a shift in the bacterial community in the absence of fibers by decreasing the relative amounts of Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and increasing proteobacterial Sutterilaceae levels from 1% to 11% of the total microbiota. The fermentation of rye bran, enzymatically treated rye bran, its insoluble fraction, soluble oat fiber and a mixture of rye fiber:soluble oat fiber:linseed resulted in a significant increase in butyrate production and a bifidogenic effect in the absence of the antibiotic. These fibers were also able to counteract the negative effects of the antibiotic and prevent the decrease in the relative amount of bifidobacteria. Insoluble and soluble rye bran fractions and soluble oat fiber were the best for controlling the level of proteobacteria at the level below 2%.

Hypocholesterolemic Effect of the Lignin-Rich Insoluble Residue of Brewer's Spent Grain in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Insoluble residue (INS) is a lignin-rich fraction of brewer's spent grain (BSG) that also contains ß-glucan and arabinoxylan, the major constituents of dietary fiber. We investigated the effects of INS in diet-induced obese mice in terms of lipid metabolism and metabolic diseases. Male mice (C57bl6) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), a HFD + 20% INS, a HFD + 20% cellulose (CEL), a HFD with a combination of 20% INS-CEL (1:1), or a control diet for 14 weeks. Insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed after 12 weeks. Fasting plasma lipids, bile acid, and fecal bile acid were measured after 14 weeks of feeding, and tissues were collected for gene expression analysis. Body weight gain was significantly reduced with all fibers, but only INS and INS-CEL decreased fasting plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol compared to HFD. CEL and INS-CEL significantly improved insulin resistance. Fecal bile acids were significantly increased by all fibers, but there was no change in plasma bile acid. Clostridium leptum was increased with all fibers, but universal bacterial diversity was only with INS and INS-CEL. In addition, INS significantly increased the abundance of Bacteriodes, while CEL decreased Atopobium and Lactobacillus. INS feeding significantly upregulated various genes of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, such as Srebp2, Hmgcr, Ldlr, Cyp7a1, Pparα, Fxr, and Pxr, in the liver. INS, INS-CEL, and CEL significantly attenuated liver steatosis. Our results suggest that INS from BSG induced beneficial systemic changes in mice via gut microbiota, bile acids, and gene expression in the liver.

Analysis of microbiota in first episode psychosis identifies preliminary associations with symptom severity and treatment response.

The effects of gut microbiota on the central nervous system, along its possible role in mental disorders, have received increasing attention. Here we investigated differences in fecal microbiota between 28 patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 16 healthy matched controls and explored whether such differences were associated with response after up to 12months of treatment. Numbers of Lactobacillus group bacteria were elevated in FEP-patients and significantly correlated with severity along different symptom domains. A subgroup of FEP patients with the strongest microbiota differences also showed poorer response after up to 12months of treatment. The present findings support the involvement of microbiota alterations in psychotic illness and may provide the basis for exploring the benefit of their modulation on treatment response and remission.

Interactions of Insoluble Residue from Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Brewer's Spent Grain with Intestinal Microbiota in Mice.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the major side-stream from brewing. As BSG is rich in dietary fiber and protein, it could be used in more valuable applications, such as nutritional additives for foods. Our aim was to elucidate whether an insoluble lignin-rich fraction (INS) from BSG is metabolized by mice gut microbiota and how it affects the microbiota. Our results indicated that lignin was partially degraded by the gut microbiota, degradation products were absorbed, and finally excreted in urine. Therefore, they contribute to the phenolic pool circulating in the mammalian body, and may have systemic effects on health. In addition, the effects of the test diets on the microbiota were significant. Most interestingly, diversities of predominant cecal and fecal bacteria were higher after the intervention diet containing INS than after the intervention diet containing cellulose. Since low fecal bacterial diversity has been linked with numerous diseases and disorders, the diversity increasing ability opens very interesting perspectives for the future.

Changes in intestinal immunity, gut microbiota, and expression of energy metabolism-related genes explain adenoma growth in bilberry and cloudberry-fed ApcMin mice.

We showed previously that ellagitannin-rich cloudberries and anthocyanin-rich bilberries reduce the number of intestinal adenomas in multiple intestinal neoplasia/+ (ApcMin) mice. We also found that cloudberries decreased the size of adenomas, whereas bilberries increased it. Here we hypothesized that the difference in adenoma growth could be explained by dissimilar effects of the berries on intestinal immune responses and gut microbiota, potentially driven by the distinct polyphenol compositions of the 2 berries. Our objectives were to investigate lymphocyte subtypes and the predominant cecal bacterial diversity in mice fed with bilberries and cloudberries, and to analyze global gene expression profiles in the intestinal mucosa. Immunostainings of CD3+ T lymphocytes, FoxP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes, and CD45R+ B lymphocytes revealed a smaller ratio of intraepithelial to all mucosal CD3+ T lymphocytes in the cloudberry-fed mice compared with controls, suggesting an attenuation of inflammation. Bilberry feeding induced no changes in the density of any of the lymphocyte subtypes. The predominant bacterial diversity in cecal contents, analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis, was higher in the bilberry group than in the control or cloudberry groups. The microbial profiles of cloudberry-fed mice clustered together and were associated with small adenoma size. Pathway analyses of gene expression data showed that cloudberry down-regulated and bilberry up-regulated the expression of energy metabolism-related genes in the intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, attenuation of intestinal inflammation, changes in microbial profiles, and down-regulation of mucosal energy metabolism may account for the smaller adenoma size in cloudberry-fed mice in comparison to bilberry-fed mice.

Bacterial populations on brewery filling hall surfaces as revealed by next-generation sequencing.

Due to the presence of moisture and nutrients, brewery filling line surfaces are susceptible to unwanted microbial attachment. Knowledge of the attaching microbes will aid in designing hygienic control of the process. In this study the bacterial diversity present on brewery filling line surfaces was revealed by next generation sequencing. The two filling lines studied maintained their characteristic bacterial community throughout three sampling times (13-163 days). On the glass bottle line, γ-proteobacteria dominated (35-82% of all OTUs), whereas on the canning line α-, ß- and γ-proteobacteria and actinobacteria were most common. The most frequently detected genera were Acinetobacter, Propinobacterium and Pseudomonas. The halophilic genus Halomonas was commonly detected, which might be due to its tolerance to alkaline foam cleaners. This study has revealed a detailed overall picture of the bacterial groups present on filling line surfaces. Further effort should be given to determine the efficacy of washing procedures on different bacterial groups.

Altered Fecal Microbiota in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several factors support the view of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] origin in the host responsiveness to intestinal bacteria, although no single bacterial species has been shown as a causative agent in the pathogenesis. Our aim was to analyse the fecal microbiota of paediatric IBD patients at different stages of the disease. In addition, the characteristics of immune response to the bacterial isolates showing very low abundance in IBD were studied. METHODS: Fecal samples [1-3 samples/child] were collected from 10 paediatric patients with crohn's disease [CD], and 12 with ulcerative colitis [UC] and from 8 healthy children, for polyphasic microbiological analysis (culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). In addition, in vitro cytokine responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to the bacterial isolates, which showed very low abundance in IBD, were studied. RESULTS: Although predominant bacterial diversity was higher in IBD, the numbers of Lachnospiraceae and Coriobacteriaceae bacteria were lower in IBD patients as compared with control children [p < 0.05]. In addition, Ruminococcaceae population diversity was lower in IBD [p < 0.05] and correlated negatively with fecal calprotectin levels. Both abundance and diversity of bifidobacterial populations were lower in children with IBD [p < 0.05], and particularly low numbers of certain bifidobacterial isolates were detected. In CD, we found enhanced up-regulation of interleukin-6 transcripts and impaired RAR-related orphan receptor C response to bifidobacteria, whereas decreased interferon-gamma response was observed in both CD and UC. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate altered fecal microbiota in paediatric IBD, particularly low numbers and diversity of bifidobacterial populations. Interestingly, immunological response to bifidobacteria differed between paediatric CD patients and control children.