Influence of Microbiota on Tumor Immunotherapy.

The role of the microbiome in immunotherapy has recently garnered substantial attention, with molecular studies and clinical trials providing emerging evidence on the pivotal influence of the microbiota in enhancing therapeutic outcomes via immune response modulation. However, the impact of microbial communities can considerably vary across individuals and different immunotherapeutic approaches, posing prominent challenges in harnessing their potential. In this comprehensive review, we outline the current research applications in tumor immunotherapy and delve into the possible mechanisms through which immune function is influenced by microbial communities in various body sites, encompassing those in the gut, extraintestinal barrier, and intratumoral environment. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of diverse microbiome-based strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and the targeted modulation of specific microbial taxa, and antibiotic treatments on cancer immunotherapy. All these strategies potentially have a profound impact on immunotherapy and pave the way for personalized therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers.

Multi-strain probiotics during pregnancy in women with obesity influence infant gut microbiome development: results from a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Probiotics have been described to influence host health and prevent the risk of obesity by gut microbiome (GM) modulation. In a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled feasibility study, we investigated whether Vivomixx® multi-strain probiotics administered to 50 women with obesity during pregnancy altered the GM composition and perinatal health outcomes of their infants up to 9 months after birth. The mothers and infants were followed up with four visits after birth: at 3 d, and at 3, 6, and 9 months after delivery. The infants were monitored by anthropometric measurements, fecal sample analysis, and questionnaires regarding health and diet.The study setup after birth was feasible, and the women and infants were willing to participate in additional study visits and collection of fecal samples during the 9-month follow-up. In total, 47 newborns were included for microbiome analysis.Maternal prenatal Vivomixx® administration did not alter infant GM diversity nor differential abundance, and the probiotic strains were not vertically transferred. However, the infant GM exhibited a decreased prevalence of the obesity-associated genera, Collinsella, in the probiotic group and of the metabolic health-associated Akkermansia in the placebo group, indicating that indirect community-scale effects of Vivomixx® on the GM of the mothers could be transferred to the infant.Moreover, 3 d after birth, the GM of the infant was influenced by mode of delivery and antibiotics administered during birth. Vaginally delivered infants had increased diversity and relative abundance of the metabolic health-associated Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides while having a decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus compared with infants delivered by cesarean section. Maternal antibiotic administration during birth resulted in a decreased relative abundance of Bifidobacteriumin the GM of the infants. In conclusion, this study observed potential effects on obesity-associated infant GM after maternal probiotic supplementation.

Effect of Probiotics in Stress-Associated Constipation Model in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.

The pathophysiology of functional bowel disorders is complex, involving disruptions in gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain-microbiota interactions, and psychosocial factors. Light pollution, as an environmental stressor, has been associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms and the aggravation of stress-related conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of environmental stress, particularly continuous light exposure, on intestinal motility and inflammation using zebrafish larvae as a model system. We also evaluated the efficacy of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), at alleviating stress-induced constipation. Our results showed that continuous light exposure in zebrafish larvae increased the cortisol levels and reduced the intestinal motility, establishing a stress-induced-constipation model. We observed increased inflammatory markers and decreased intestinal neural activity in response to stress. Furthermore, the expressions of aquaporins and vasoactive intestinal peptide, crucial for regulating water transport and intestinal motility, were altered in the light-induced constipation model. Administration of probiotics, specifically B. longum, ameliorated the stress-induced constipation by reducing the cortisol levels, modulating the intestinal inflammation, and restoring the intestinal motility and neural activity. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics to modulate the gut-brain axis and alleviate stress-induced constipation. Therefore, this study provides a valuable understanding of the complex interplay among environmental stressors, gut function, and potential therapeutic strategies.

The Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Preferentially Synthesizes Kynurenic Acid from Kynurenine.

The gut-brain axis is increasingly understood to play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders. The probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri and products of tryptophan degradation, specifically the neuroactive kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA), have received special attention in this context. We, therefore, assessed relevant features of KP metabolism, namely, the cellular uptake of the pivotal metabolite kynurenine and its conversion to its primary products KYNA, 3-hydroxykynurenine and anthranilic acid in L. reuteri by incubating the bacteria in Hank's Balanced Salt solution in vitro. Kynurenine readily entered the bacterial cells and was preferentially converted to KYNA, which was promptly released into the extracellular milieu. De novo production of KYNA increased linearly with increasing concentrations of kynurenine (up to 1 mM) and bacteria (107 to 109 CFU/mL) and with incubation time (1-3 h). KYNA neosynthesis was blocked by two selective inhibitors of mammalian kynurenine aminotransferase II (PF-048559989 and BFF-122). In contrast to mammals, however, kynurenine uptake was not influenced by other substrates of the mammalian large neutral amino acid transporter, and KYNA production was not affected by the presumed competitive enzyme substrates (glutamine and α-aminoadipate). Taken together, these results reveal substantive qualitative differences between bacterial and mammalian KP metabolism.

A Review of the Use of Native and Engineered Probiotics for Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious global health concern, and researchers have been investigating different strategies to prevent, treat, or support conventional therapies for CRC. This review article comprehensively covers CRC therapy involving wild-type bacteria, including probiotics and oncolytic bacteria as well as genetically modified bacteria. Given the close relationship between CRC and the gut microbiota, it is crucial to compile and present a comprehensive overview of bacterial therapies used in the context of colorectal cancer. It is evident that the use of native and engineered probiotics for colorectal cancer therapy necessitates research focused on enhancing the therapeutic properties of probiotic strains.. Genetically engineered probiotics might be designed to produce particular molecules or to target cancer cells more effectively and cure CRC patients.

Reducing Immunoreactivity of Gluten Peptides by Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria for Dietary Management of Gluten-Related Diseases.

Immunoreactive gluten peptides that are not digested by peptidases produced by humans can trigger celiac disease, allergy and non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of selected probiotic strains to hydrolyze immunoreactive gliadin peptides and to identify peptidase-encoding genes in the genomes of the most efficient strains. Residual gliadin immunoreactivity was measured after one- or two-step hydrolysis using commercial enzymes and bacterial peptidase preparations by G12 and R5 immunoenzymatic assays. Peptidase preparations from Lacticaseibacillus casei LC130, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC100 and Streptococcus thermophilus ST250 strains significantly reduced the immunoreactivity of gliadin peptides, including 33-mer, and this effect was markedly higher when a mixture of these strains was used. In silico genome analyses of L. casei LC130 and L. paracasei LPC100 revealed the presence of genes encoding peptidases with the potential to hydrolyze bonds in proline-rich peptides. This suggests that L. casei LC130, L. paracasei LPC100 and S. thermophilus ST250, especially when used as a mixture, have the ability to hydrolyze immunoreactive gliadin peptides and could be administered to patients on a restricted gluten-free diet to help treat gluten-related diseases.

Glycoprotein Matrix Zinc Exhibits Improved Absorption: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Biotransformation of minerals via glycosylation by microorganisms such as yeast and/or probiotics yields nutrients bound to a food matrix, resulting in increased bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of glycoprotein matrix-bound zinc (GPM) on absorption compared to inorganic zinc oxide. Sixteen participants ingested 11 mg of zinc as either GPM™ Soy-Free Zinc (GPM, Ashland, Kearny, NJ, USA) or zinc oxide (USP). Blood samples were taken at 0 (i.e., baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, and 480 min post-ingestion. GPM zinc concentrations were significantly higher at 120 min (p = 0.02; 12.4 ± 5.1 mcg/dL), 180 min (p = 0.002; 16.8 ± 5.1 mcg/dL), and 240 min (p = 0.007; 14.6 ± 5.1 mcg/dL) in comparison to USP zinc oxide. In addition, GPM zinc significantly increased iAUC by 40% (5840 ± 2684 vs. 4183 ± 1132 mcg/dL * 480 min, p = 0.02), and Cmax values were 10% higher in GPM compared to USP (148 ± 21 mcg/dL vs. 135 ± 17.5 mcg/dL, p = 0.08). Tmax was 12% slower in GPM compared to USP (112.5 ± 38.7 min vs. 127.5 ± 43.1 min); however, differences in Tmax failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.28). Zinc bound to a glycoprotein matrix significantly increased absorption compared to zinc oxide.

Evaluation of Neuro-Hormonal Dynamics after the Administration of Probiotic Microbial Strains in a Murine Model of Hyperthyroidism.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has received increasing attention in recent years through its bidirectional communication system, governed by the ability of gut microorganisms to generate and regulate a wide range of neurotransmitters in the host body. In this research, we delve into the intricate area of microbial endocrinology by exploring the dynamic oscillations in neurotransmitter levels within plasma and brain samples. Our experimental model involved inducing hyperthyroidism in mice after a "probiotic load" timeframe using two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination). These probiotic interventions continued throughout the experiment and were intended to uncover potential modulatory effects on neurotransmitter levels and discern if certain probiotic strains exhibit any protection from hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we aimed to outline the eventual connections between the gut microbiota and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. As our study reveals, there are significant fluctuations in crucial neurotransmitters within the hyperthyroidism model, related to the specific probiotic strain or combination. These findings could support future therapeutic approaches, help healthcare professionals choose between different probiotic therapies, and also allow us proceed with caution when administering such treatments, depending on the health status of hyperthyroid patients.

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

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

Rationally designed probiotics prevent shrimp white feces syndrome via the probiotics-gut microbiome-immunity axis.

Increasing evidence infers that some complex diseases are attributed to co-infection with multiple pathogens, such as shrimp white feces syndrome (WFS); however, there is a lack of experimental evidence to validate such causal link. This deficiency further impedes rational design of probiotics to elicit desired benefits to shrimp WFS resistance. Herein, we validated the causal roles of Vibrio fluvialis, V. coralliilyticus and V. tubiashii (in a ratio of 7:2:1) in shrimp WFS etiology, which fully satisfied Koch's postulates. Correspondingly, we precisely designed four antagonistic strains: Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis, Nioella nitratireducens, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces euryhalinus in a ratio of 4:3:2:1, which efficiently guarded against WFS. Dietary supplementation of the probiotics stimulated beneficial gut populations, streptomycin, short chain fatty acids, taurine metabolism potentials, network stability, tight junction, and host selection, while reducing turnover rate and average variation degree of gut microbiota, thereby facilitating ecological and mechanical barriers against pathogens. Additionally, shrimp immune pathways, such as Fcγ R-mediated phagocytosis, Toll-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways conferring immune barrier, were activated by probiotics supplementation. Collectively, we establish an updated framework for precisely validating co-infection with multiple pathogens and rationally designing antagonistic probiotics. Furthermore, our findings uncover the underlying beneficial mechanisms of designed probiotics from the probiotics-gut microbiome-host immunity axis.

A National Survey of Neonatologists' Perspectives on Probiotics Use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the U.S.A.

Introduction: Most recent clinical reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) concluded current evidence does not support routine universal administration of probiotics to preterm infants, particularly those with birth weight <1000 grams. Despite this, the use of probiotics is increasing in US neonatal intensive care units (NICU).Objectives: Collaborating with the Perinatal Neonatal Medicine of AAP, we conducted a national survey to obtain neonatologist opinion on probiotics use.Methods: Survey questionnaires were sent to 3000 neonatologists via email.Results: Of 3000 potential respondents, 249 (8.3 %) completed the survey. Seventy-five (30%) neonatologists working in 23 different NICUs reported using probiotics in their practice, while 168 (70%) neonatologists working in 54 different NICUs reported not using probiotics. Of those not currently use probiotics, 49% indicated they would consider using probiotics in the future vs. 12% indicating they would not use probiotics. The most common indication for probiotics use was average gestational age < 32 weeks and mean birth weight < 1500 grams. Probiotics were discontinued at mean gestational age of 35 weeks. Respondents who prescribe probiotics were more likely to work in a setting without fellowship or residency training (48% vs 20%). Probiotics users were more often from the West (29 % vs 7%) and less often from Northeast (5% vs 34%) compared to non-users. The proportion of those using probiotics did not significantly differ by NICU size, NICU level, or years working in a NICU. Similac Tri-Blend, Evivo, and Culturelle were the top three probiotics used in the respondent's NICU.Conclusion: Though a majority of respondents are not currently using probiotics in their NICU, a large number of nonusers are interested in using probiotics in the future. Differences continue to exist in the brand of probiotics used in US NICUs.

Structural identification and antioxidant activity of trans-9, trans-11, cis-15-conjugated linolenic acid converted by probiotics.

The study aimed to determine the chemical structures of octadecatrienoic acid isomers produced by probiotics through the bioconversion of α-linolenic acid and to assess their antioxidant capacities. The chemical structures were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), while the antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro and in cellular. The NMR signals obtained allowed for definitive characterization, with the main ion fragments detected being m/z 58.0062, 59.0140, 71.0141, 113.0616, 127.0777, and 181.5833. Compounds at concentrations below 40 µM maintained the antioxidant capacity of HepG2 cells by protecting endogenous antioxidative enzymes and mitochondrial membrane potential. However, doses higher than 40 µM increase oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results confirmed the structure of the probiotic-derived compound as trans9, trans11, cis15-conjugated linolenic acid. Additionally, appropriate doses of CLNA can alleviate oxidative stress induced by AAPH, while high doses aggravate cellular damage. These findings provide foundational information for the further exploration of probiotic-derived edible lipids.

Characterization of feline-originated probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus CACC612 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CACC789 and and evaluation of their host response.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are beneficial for animal health and new potential probiotics need to be characterized for their prospective use in improving animal health. In this study, 32 bacterial strains were isolated from a Norwegian forest cat (castrated, 12 years old) and a Persian cat (castrated, 10 years old), which were privately owned and had indoor access. RESULTS: Lactobacillus rhamnosus CACC612 (CACC612) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CACC789 (CACC789) were selected as potential probiotics; characterization of the two strains showed equivalent acid tolerance, similar cell adhesion rates on the HT-29 monolayer cell line, and superior bile tolerance compared to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Subsequently, they exhibited inhibitory effects against a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli (KCTC 2617), Salmonella Derby (NCCP 12,238), Salmonella Enteritidis (NCCP 14,546), Salmonella Typhimurium (NCCP 10,328), Clostridium difficile JCM 1296T. From evaluating host effects, the viability of the feline macrophage cell line (Fcwf-4) increased with the treatment of CACC612 or CACC789 (P < 0.05). The induced expression of immune-related genes such as IFN-γ, IL1ß, IL2, IL4, and TNF-α by immune stimulation was significantly attenuated by the treatment of CACC612 or CACC789 (P < 0.05). When 52 clinical factors of sera from 21 healthy cats were analyzed using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the animals were obviously clustered before and after feeding with CACC612 or CACC789. In addition, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased after CACC612 feeding (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, feline-originated probiotics were newly characterized and their potentially probiotic effects were evaluated. These results contribute to our understanding of the functional effects of feline-derived probiotics and support their industrial applications.

Exploring the Preventive and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Probiotics in Chronic Kidney Disease through the Gut-Kidney Axis.

Gut dysbiosis contributes to deterioration of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Probiotics are a potential approach to modulate gut microbiota and gut-derived metabolites to alleviate CKD progression. We aim to provide a comprehensive view of CKD-related gut dysbiosis and a critical perspective on probiotic function in CKD. First, this review addresses gut microbial alterations during CKD progression and the adverse effects associated with the changes in gut-derived metabolites. Second, we conduct a thorough examination of the latest clinical trials involving probiotic intervention to unravel critical pathways via the gut-kidney axis. Finally, we propose our viewpoints on limitations, further considerations, and future research prospects of probiotic adjuvant therapy in alleviating CKD progression. Enhancing our understanding of host-microbe interactions is crucial for gaining precise insights into the mechanisms through which probiotics exert their effects and identifying factors that influence the effectiveness of probiotics in developing strategies to optimize their use and enhance clinical outcomes.

Constructing an Antibiotic-Free Protein Expression System for Ovalbumin Biosynthesis in Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917.

Ovalbumin (OVA) is the principal protein constituent of eggs. As an alternative to eggs, cell-cultured OVA can reduce the environmental impact of global warming and land use. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a probiotic with specific endogenous cryptic plasmids that stably exist in cells without the addition of antibiotics, was chosen as the host for the efficient heterologous expression of the OVA. OVA yield reached 20 mg·L-1 in shake flasks using the OVA expression cassette containing a tac promoter (Ptac) upstream of the OVA-coding sequences on the endogenous plasmid pMUT2. Subsequently, we improved the level of the expression of the OVA by employing a dual promoter (PP5 combined with Ptac via a sigma factor binding site 24) and ribosome binding site (RBS) substitution. These enhancements increased the level of production of OVA in shake flasks to 30 and 42 mg·L-1, respectively. OVA by EcNP-P28 harboring plasmid L28 equipped with both dual promoter and the strong RBS8 reached 3.70 g·L-1 in a 3 L bioreactor. Recombinant OVA and natural OVA showed similar biochemical characteristics, including secondary structure, isoelectric point, amino acid composition, and thermal stability. This is currently the highest OVA production reported among prokaryotes. We successfully constructed an antibiotic-free heterologous protein expression system for EcN.

Probiotic Mixture Ameliorates a Diet-Induced MASLD/MASH Murine Model through the Regulation of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and the Gut Microbiome.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disease that has no effective treatment. Our proprietary probiotic mixture, Prohep, has been proven in a previous study to be helpful in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo. However, its prospective benefits on the treatment of other liver diseases such as MASLD, which is one of the major risk factors in the development of HCC, are unclear. To investigate the potential of Prohep in modulating the development and progression of MASLD, we first explored the effect of Prohep supplementation via voluntary intake in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) murine model. Our results indicated that Prohep alleviated HFD-induced liver steatosis and reduced excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and improved the plasma lipid profile when compared with HFD-fed control mice through suppressing hepatic de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol biosynthesis gene expressions. In addition, Prohep was able to modulate the gut microbiome, modify the bile acid (BA) profile, and elevate fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Next, in a prolonged HFD-feeding MASLD/MASH model, we observed the effectiveness of Prohep in preventing the transition from MASLD to MASH via amelioration in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Taken together, Prohep could ameliorate HFD-induced MASLD and control the MASLD-to-MASH progression in mice. Our findings provide distinctive insights into the development of novel microbial therapy for the management of MASLD and MASH.

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

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

Unlocking the power of postbiotics: A revolutionary approach to nutrition for humans and animals.

Postbiotics, which comprise inanimate microorganisms or their constituents, have recently gained significant attention for their potential health benefits. Extensive research on postbiotics has uncovered many beneficial effects on hosts, including antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory effects, gut microbiota modulation, and enhancement of epithelial barrier function. Although these features resemble those of probiotics, the stability and safety of postbiotics make them an appealing alternative. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest research on postbiotics, emphasizing their positive impacts on both human and animal health. As our understanding of the influence of postbiotics on living organisms continues to grow, their application in clinical and nutritional settings, as well as animal husbandry, is expected to expand. Moreover, by substituting postbiotics for antibiotics, we can promote health and productivity while minimizing adverse effects. This alternative approach holds immense potential for improving health outcomes and revolutionizing the food and animal products industries.

The effects of prebiotic, probiotic or synbiotic supplementation on overweight/obesity indicators: an umbrella review of the trials' meta-analyses.

Background: There is controversial data on the effects of prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic supplementations on overweight/obesity indicators. Thus, we aimed to clarify this role of biotics through an umbrella review of the trials' meta-analyses. Methods: All meta-analyses of the clinical trials conducted on the impact of biotics on overweight/obesity indicators in general populations, pregnant women, and infants published until June 2023 in PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library web databases included. The meta-analysis of observational and systematic review studies without meta-analysis were excluded. We reported the results by implementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flowchart. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) systems were used to assess the methodological quality and quality of evidence. Results: Overall, 97 meta-analysis studies were included. Most studies were conducted on the effect of probiotics in both genders. Consumption of prebiotic: 8-66 g/day, probiotic: 104 -1.35×1015 colony-forming unit (CFU)/day, and synbiotic: 106-1.5×1011 CFU/day and 0.5-300 g/day for 2 to 104 weeks showed a favorable effect on the overweight/obesity indicators. Moreover, an inverse association was observed between biotics consumption and overweight/obesity risk in adults in most of the studies. Biotics did not show any beneficial effect on weight and body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women by 6.6×105-1010 CFU/day of probiotics during 1-25 weeks and 1×109-112.5×109 CFU/capsule of synbiotics during 4-8 weeks. The effect of biotics on weight and BMI in infants is predominantly non-significant. Prebiotics and probiotics used in infancy were from 0.15 to 0.8 g/dL and 2×106-6×109 CFU/day for 2-24 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: It seems biotics consumption can result in favorable impacts on some anthropometric indices of overweight/obesity (body weight, BMI, waist circumference) in the general population, without any significant effects on birth weight or weight gain during pregnancy and infancy. So, it is recommended to intake the biotics as complementary medications for reducing anthropometric indices of overweight/obese adults. However, more well-designed trials are needed to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of specific strains of probiotics.

Prospects of probiotics in beekeeping: a review for sustainable approach to boost honeybee health.

Honeybees are vital for global crop pollination, making indispensable contributions to agricultural productivity. However, these vital insects are currently facing escalating colony losses on a global scale, primarily attributed to parasitic and pathogenic attacks. The prevalent response to combat these infections may involve the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the application of antibiotics raises concerns regarding potential adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance and imbalances in the gut microbiota of bees. In response to these challenges, this study reviews the utilization of a probiotic-supplemented pollen substitute diet to promote honeybee gut health, enhance immunity, and overall well-being. We systematically explore various probiotic strains and their impacts on critical parameters, including survival rate, colony strength, honey and royal jelly production, and the immune response of bees. By doing so, we emphasize the significance of maintaining a balanced gut microbial community in honeybees. The review also scrutinizes the factors influencing the gut microbial communities of bees, elucidates the consequences of dysbiosis, and evaluates the potential of probiotics to mitigate these challenges. Additionally, it delineates different delivery mechanisms for probiotic supplementation and elucidates their positive effects on diverse health parameters of honeybees. Given the alarming decline in honeybee populations and the consequential threat to global food security, this study provides valuable insights into sustainable practices aimed at supporting honeybee populations and enhancing agricultural productivity.