Lactobacillus acidophilus

BACKGROUND: The use of probiotics as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is gaining attention, with recent studies indicating that certain probiotics or combinations may have mental health benefits for patients with IBS. AIMS: To systematically review and meta-analyze, using network meta-analysis (NWM), the comparative effectiveness and safety of probiotics with psychotropic potential on quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with IBS. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed, using a Bayesian NWM, to compare the performance of probiotics with mental health benefits in IBS treatment. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using surfaces under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) values. RESULTS: The analysis included 3154 participants assigned to nine different treatments: Bifidobacterium longum, Saccharomyces, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, Lactobacillus plantarum, probiotic combinations, and placebo. B. longum and probiotic combinations were found to be significantly more effective than placebo. In terms of improving quality of life (QoL), B. longum was the most effective (SUCRA = 89.7%), while L. plantarum was the least effective (SUCRA = 14.9%). For alleviating depression and anxiety, the combination of probiotics (SUCRA = 95.6%) and L. acidophilus (SUCRA = 74.2%) showed the best results, respectively. CONCLUSION: Some probiotics or combinations may offer benefits for patients with IBS in improving QoL, depression, and anxiety; however, as this is a developing field, additional research is necessary to fully understand the effectiveness, underlying mechanisms, and specific strains that may be advantageous. More high-quality RCTs are needed to substantiate these therapeutic possibilities.

Insulin resistance leads to increased glucose and insulin levels. Probiotics can reduce insulin resistance, but the presence of different probiotic strains and doses prevents the generalization to real-world scenario. The current systematic review and meta-analysis study investigated the efficacy of a triple probiotic combination (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum) on glycemic index and insulin resistance parameters in adults. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of the probiotics combination on glycemic index and insulin resistance parameters were identified. Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool were used for risk of bias assessment and RevMan for meta-analysis. Fourteen good-quality clinical trials were included in the current study. Low-to-moderate risk of bias was observed. Data from 823 participants were included. Probiotics supplementation significantly reduced insulin resistance (MD: -1.05 HOMA-IR score, p < 0.00001), serum glucose (MD: -3.99 mg/dl, p = 0.0003) and insulin levels (MD: -3.79 µIU/ml, p < 0.00001), while significantly improved insulin sensitivity (MD: +0.02 QUICKI score, p < 0.00001) and pancreatic β-cell functioning (MD: -14.71 HOMA-B score, p < 0.00001) compared to the control group. Significant heterogeneity was observed for all evaluation parameters (except the HOMA-B score) while no significant publication bias was observed. The current study suggests that the probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum is effective in reducing insulin resistance, improving glycemic index parameters, and improving pancreatic β-cell functioning in adults by improving the gastrointestinal microbiome.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 10-40 million travelers get Traveler's Diarrhea (TD) yearly. A significant decrease in TD incidence has not been achieved by depending solely on antibiotic prophylaxis and educational initiatives. Using prebiotics to prevent TD has also not been examined in previous evaluations of probiotics for TD, which failed to consider the strain-specificity of probiotic efficacy. This review investigates the overall effects of probiotics on preventing TD, including the impact of dosage, duration, and age. METHODS: Standard literature databases were searched without restriction on publication year or language. The following criteria are included: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English or non-English unrestricted to publication year, excluding animal and observational studies. This systematic review applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. RESULTS: Of the 166 screened papers, 10 RCTs were included. Lactobacillus acidophilus showed no efficacy in preventing TD except when mixed with other strains. Other genera of lactobacilli showed a protection rate of up to 39% against TD. Similarly, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii have been effective in preventing TD. CONCLUSION: Studies investigating probiotics as a preventive measure for TD remain limited. Only a few probiotics that reduce TD risk exist. Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, specific probiotic strains, including L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, S. cerevisiae, and S. boulardii, may prevent TD. The effect of additional probiotic strains on TD prevention must be further investigated.

Objective: The optimal probiotic supplementation in pregnant women has not been thoroughly evaluated. By employing a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach, we compared the effectiveness of different probiotic supplementation strategies for pregnant women. Methods: A comprehensive search across multiple databases was performed to identify studies comparing the efficacy of probiotic supplements with each other or the control (placebo) among pregnant women. Results: This NMA, including 32 studies, systematically evaluated 6 probiotic supplement strategies: Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium (LRB), Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium (LABB), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (LLB), multi-combination of four probiotics (MP1), and multi-combination of six or more probiotics (MP2). Among these strategies, LLB, MP1, and MP2 all contain LABB. The NMA findings showed that MP1 was the most effective in reducing fasting blood sugar (FBS) (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]: 80.5%). In addition, MP2 was the most efficacious in lowering the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SUCRA: 89.1%). LABB was ranked as the most effective in decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) (SUCRA: 95.5%), total cholesterol (TC) (SUCRA: 95.5%), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SUCRA: 94.8%). Moreover, LLB was ranked as the most effective in raising total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SUCRA: 98.5%). Conclusion: Multi-combination of probiotic strains, especially those strategies containing LABB, may be more effective than a single probiotic strain in glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress of pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Many randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated the use of probiotics to treat acute infectious gastroenteritis. However, most probiotic species evaluated in previous large randomized controlled trials are unavailable in Japan. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of probiotics utilized in Japan for acute gastroenteritis. METHODS: The inclusion criterion was a randomized controlled study that compared probiotics with a placebo to treat children younger than 18 years with acute infectious gastroenteritis. We excluded studies that did not contain the following species available in Japan: Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Clostridium butyricum, and Bacillus subtilis and studies in low- or lower-middle-income countries. We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi from their inception to November 27, 2022. After the risk of bias assessment, data on diarrhea duration, number of hospitalizations, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects were extracted. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Diarrhea lasting longer than 48 h (7 articles, n = 878) was significantly lower in the probiotic group (risk ratio (RR) 0.70, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.83). The duration of diarrhea (14 articles; n = 1761) was 23.45 h (95 % CI 18.22-26.69) shorter in the probiotic group. Duration of hospitalization (6 articles; n = 971) was 17.73 h (95 % CI 6.9-28.56) shorter in the probiotic group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the certainty of evidence is very low, the use of probiotics for acute gastroenteritis in children may improve diarrhea approximately one day earlier. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42023405559).

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disease. The efficacy of different probiotics in treating IBS remains controversial. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare and rank the outcome-specific efficacy of different probiotic strains or combinations in adults with IBS. We searched the literature up to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of probiotics in IBS were included. A frequentist framework was used to perform this study. In total, 9253 participants from 81 RCTs were included in the study. Four probiotic strains and five mixtures were significantly superior to placebo in improving IBS Symptom Severity Scale, among which Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 ranked first (surface under the cumulative ranking, SUCRA, 92.9%). A mixture containing five probiotics (SUCRA, 100%) ranked first in improving the IBS-Quality of life. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (SUCRA, 96.9%) and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 (SUCRA, 92.6%) were among the most effective probiotics for improving abdominal pain. Three probiotic strains and two mixtures were effective in alleviating abdominal bloating. Four probiotic strains and a mixture were significantly superior to placebo in reducing the bowel movement frequency in diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (SUCRA, 99.6%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 (SUCRA, 89.7%) were among the most effective probiotics for improving the Bristol stool form scale of IBS-D. Only some probiotics are effective for particular outcomes in IBS patients. This study provided the first ranking of outcome-specific efficacy of different probiotic strains and combinations in IBS. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of probiotic supplements on glycemic control and metabolic parameters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was glycemic control, i.e., serum glucose and insulin levels. Secondary outcomes were maternal weight gain, neonatal birth weight, and lipid parameters. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was used. Cochrane's Q test of heterogeneity and I2 were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Of the 843 papers retrieved, 14 (n = 854 women) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. When compared with placebo, women receiving probiotic supplements had significantly lower mean fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and VLDL levels. Decreased neonatal birth weight was witnessed in supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplements may improve glycemic control and lipid profile and reduce neonatal birth weight in women with GDM.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a summary of the current literature about the efficacy of probiotics in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: A systematic literature search through major electronic databases was carried out for RCTs till September 9, 2021, investigating the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of pediatric patients with NAFLD. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and Standard Deviations (SD) were used to calculate continuous outcomes and a Risk Ratio with 95% CI was used for dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 4 RCTs with 238 pediatric patients with NAFLD were included in the study. Probiotic supplementation revealed a statistically significant difference in transaminases' levels (ALT: WMD = -7.51 IU/L, 95% CI, -11.28 to -3.73, I 2 = 0%, P < 0.0001; AST: WMD = -6.46 IU/L, 95% CI, -9.31 to -3.61, I 2 = 0%, P < 0.00001), anthropometric characteristics, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ultrasonographic steatosis improvement. CONCLUSIONS: According to the data of this meta-analysis, probiotic supplementation, and especially supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus in combination with other strains of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus may be beneficial in the improvement of transaminases', lipid parameters' levels, ultrasonographic, and anthropometric characteristics in children with NAFLD. Current evidence does not allow specifying the exact beneficial strain of probiotics mentioned above. The possible effect of probiotics on liver histology improvement in pediatric NAFLD should be examined in future studies.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence supports a role of probiotics in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of probiotics in preventing NEC in preterm infants, focusing on the differential effect of type of feeding, was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used; a subgroup analysis on exclusively human milk (HM)-fed infants vs. infants receiving formula (alone or with HM) was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-one trials were included (10,664 infants, 29 probiotic interventions); 31 studies (19 different probiotic regimens) were suitable for subgroup analysis according to feeding. In the overall analysis, Lactobacillus acidophilus LB revealed the most promising effect for reducing NEC risk (odds ratio (OR), 0.03; 95% credible intervals (CrIs), 0.00-0.21). The subgroup analysis showed that Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12/B94 was associated with a reduced risk of NEC stage ≥2 in both feeding type populations, with a discrepancy in the relative effect size in favour of exclusively HM-fed infants (OR 0.04; 95% CrIs <0.01-0.49 vs. OR 0.32; 95% CrIs 0.10-0.36). CONCLUSIONS: B. lactis Bb-12/B94 could reduce NEC risk with a different size effect according to feeding type. Of note, most probiotic strains are evaluated in few trials and relatively small populations, and outcome data according to feeding type are not available for all RCTs. Further trials are needed to confirm the present findings.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to uncover the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics on acute rotavirus diarrhea (RVD) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled studies reporting therapeutic efficacy of probiotics on acute RVD in children published before 1st June 2019 were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. The citations in all searched literature were manually examined. Data were extracted from eligible literature for calculating STD Mean Difference (SMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Subsequently, the association between therapeutic efficacy of probiotics and acute RVD in children was evaluated. Moreover, data were weighted by an inverse variance and analyzed by a fixed or random effect model. Heterogeneity test was applied in the enrolled literature. Sensitivity and publication bias was examined. STATA 12.0 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 19 independent Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) involving 1,624 children with acute RVD were enrolled in this study. Three pieces of literature were excluded through sensitivity and publication bias analyses. Data extracted from eligible literature indicated that probiotics could markedly reduce the occurrence of acute RVD in children (SMD=-0.49, 95% CI=-0.74-0.25). Subgroup analysis conducted based on ethnicity uncovered a poor therapeutic efficacy of probiotics on reducing the occurrence of acute RVD in Asian children (SMD=-0.45, 95% CI=-0.94-0.04), which was markedly significant in Caucasian children (SMD=-0.54, 95% CI=-0.78--0.30). In addition, the subgroup analysis based on the probiotic subtypes found a pronounced efficacy of both Lactobacillus acidophilus (SMD=-0.67, 95% CI=-0.92-0.42) and non-Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic (SMD=-0.45, 95% CI=-0.77-0.14) on the occurrence of acute RVD in children. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics could reduce the occurrence of acute RVD in children, especially in Caucasian population. Our findings still needed to be further validated in a multi-center institution with larger sample size and more qualified data.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed orthodontic appliances can serve as a breeding ground for bacterial accumulation and colonization, which are responsible for the development of white spot lesions (WSLs). OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated and compared the antibacterial activity of chitosan nanoparticle-coated and uncoated nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients received 0.016-in NiTi archwires, using a split-mouth design. Sixty archwires were randomized into two groups: Group A, nanochitosan-coated (n = 30, experimental), and Group B, uncoated (n = 30, control). Allocation was determined using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes prepared by an independent researcher, with assignments concealed until allocation. The ionic gelation technique was used for coating. After six weeks in the oral cavity, archwires were retrieved, and bacterial presence was evaluated as Colony Forming Units (CFUs), through culture formation. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean CFU counts of S. mutans and L. acidophilus between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.001). The mean CFU values for S. mutans were 0.12 × 106 CFU/ml (SD ± 0.38; experimental) and 1.82 × 106 CFU/ml (SD ± 0.69; control). For L. acidophilus, mean CFUs were 0.036 × 106 CFU/ml (SD ± 0.06; experimental) and 1.96 × 106 CFU/ml (SD ± 0.65; control). CONCLUSION: Orthodontic archwires coated with nanochitosan demonstrated significantly greater antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus compared with uncoated archwires. INTRODUÇÃO: Os aparelhos ortodônticos fixos podem servir como um ambiente propício para o acúmulo e colonização bacteriana, responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento de lesões de mancha branca (LMBs). OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou e comparou a atividade antibacteriana de fios ortodônticos de níquel-titânio (NiTi), revestidos e não revestidos com nanopartículas de quitosana, contra bactérias Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) e Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes receberam arcos ortodôntico

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Skin aging is a multifactorial process driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Orally administered postbiotics may support skin homeostasis; however, clinical validation of their efficacy remains limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of oral supplementation with the heat-killed lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus IDCC 3302 (ID-ACT 3302) on skin aging-related markers in healthy adults with periorbital wrinkles. METHODS: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 participants were assigned to receive either ID-ACT 3302 or a placebo. The prespecified primary endpoint was the change in crow's-feet wrinkles at week 12, assessed using investigator visual wrinkle grading and PRIMOSlite. Secondary endpoints included skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity indices (including the overall elasticity index R2), and global improvement scores. RESULTS: In the full analysis set, wrinkle grade, hydration, TEWL, and elasticity improved over 12 weeks in both groups; however, ID-ACT 3302 exhibited no superiority over placebo for the primary wrinkle endpoints. The overall elasticity index R2 exhibited significant inter-group difference, whereas R5, R7, hydration, TEWL, and global assessment scores improved consistently in both groups. In the absence of multiplicity adjustments for secondary endpoints, the R2 finding is considered exploratory. Safety outcomes were comparable between the groups, with no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week supplementation with ID-ACT 3302 was safe and well tolerated. However, no placebo-adjusted benefit was observed for the prespecified primary wrinkle endpoints. An exploratory between-group difference was observed for the Cutometer overall elasticity index (R2), but because secondary endpoints were not multiplicity-adjusted and the effect size was small, this finding should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and requires confirmation in adequately powered trials.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is increasingly linked to neuroinflammatory mechanisms driven by gut dysbiosis. These mechanisms compromise blood-brain barrier integrity, enhance seizure susceptibility, and modulate immune pathways. These insights underscore the therapeutic potential of microbiota-targeted interventions in epilepsy. AIM: The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy to enhance drug sensitivity and clinical outcomes in children with DRE. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 60 pediatric patients with DRE who were assigned to either the control group (n = 30), which received a standard antiepileptic regimen (valproic acid, oxcarbazepine, and levetiracetam at the maximum tolerated doses) plus a daily placebo capsule, or the probiotic group (n = 30), which received the same antiepileptic regimen plus a daily probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) supplement. The study duration was 6 months. Assessments of clinical and biochemical outcomes were conducted at baseline and 6 months after intervention. Primary end points included seizure frequency and change in quality of life as measured by the quality of life in childhood epilepsy (QOLCE-55) questionnaire. Secondary end points included the change in the serum levels of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), homocysteine (Hcy), and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). RESULTS: After 6 months and relative to the control group, the probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) group experienced a significant decline in seizure frequency (p = 0.04) and a significant improvement in the QOLCE-55 total score (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the probiotic group exhibited significant decreases in the serum levels of HMGB1 (p = 0.0005), NLRP3 (p = 0.002), Hcy (p = 0.001), and IL-1β (p = 0.05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation appears to enhance the effectiveness of conventional antiepileptic drugs, reduce systemic inflammation, improve quality of life, and reduce seizure frequency in children with DRE. However, further validation is necessary. GOV REGI

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which substantially impacts children's academic and social performance. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of probiotic supplementation on executive functioning in children with ADHD. METHODS: This triple-blind, randomized controlled trial included 84 children with ADHD who were randomly allocated to receive either a probiotic supplement including Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Bifidobacterium Longum or a placebo, administered once daily for 2 months. Executive function was assessed using the parent form of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance after adjusting the confounding variables. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between executive function scores of the groups at baseline (191.45 ± 20.725 vs. 190.55 ± 23.520, p = 0.214). Probiotic treatment significantly improved the scores of the intervention group compared to the control group (151.50 ± 16.784 vs. 190.68 ± 23.479, F = 7.93, p < 0.001) after adjusting for the confounders including age, BMI, and IQ. CONCLUSION: Probiotics may be beneficial as non-pharmacological adjunctive therapy for enhancing executive function in children with ADHD. Further studies with extended follow-up durations and objective neuropsychological evaluations are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT: IRCT20210531051454N2. © 2025 The Author(s). Neuropsychopharmacology Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Japanese Society of Neuropsychopharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea is a common and distressing side effect experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment, particularly those with gastrointestinal cancer. It can lead to significant health complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and treatment interruptions. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the development and severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Modulating the gut microbiome with probiotics has emerged as a potential strategy for preventing and managing chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of one probiotic containing a mixture of several strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species in prevention of chemotherapy induced diarrhea among patients with gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: Between April 2022 and June 2024, a total of 28 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer who were intended to receive chemotherapy based on fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and/or irinotecan were randomized in a ratio 1:1 to receive either a placebo or 20 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of a mixture containing five viable strains including 335 mg of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37TM, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-04TM, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07TM, and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02TM. Patients were instructed to take the product orally once daily for 90 days and to record their bowel habits in a diary using the Bristol stool scale. RESULTS: The use of probiotics, compared to placebo, did not result in reduction of grade 2/3 diarrhea episodes (placebo arm 55.56% vs probiotic arm 44.44%; P=1). Likewise, no statistically significant difference was observed in the overall incidence of diarrhea between the two groups (71.43% vs 64.29%; P=1). The median number of diarrhea episodes during the 90-day follow-up tended to be lower in the probiotic group (eight episodes) compared to the placebo group (9 episodes) (P=0.639) Subgroup analyses failed to identify any specific patient characteristics that associated any benefit from the probiotic use, regardless of diarrhea grade. Also, no infections rela

Background: Sleep is essential for athletes' physical performance and recovery. However, strenuous exercise has the potential to increase inflammation and worsen sleep. This study evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on self-reported sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and inflammatory profile 24 h after a marathon. Methods: 27 marathon male runners were divided into the Probiotic group (Probiotic n = 14) or the Placebo group (Placebo n = 13). The Probiotic group consumed 1 × 1010 CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 × 1010 CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis + 5 g/day maltodextrin for 30 days prior to the marathon. The Placebo group received a sachet of 5 g/day maltodextrin during the same period. Sleep and inflammatory status were assessed before supplementation, before the marathon, and 1 h and 24 h after the marathon. Data were analyzed using Statistic 13.3 and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Tukey's post hoc test was followed by a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: In the Placebo group, daytime sleepiness, sleep latency, and global sleep score increased 24 h after the marathon, while total sleep time and sleep efficiency decreased. In the Probiotic group, daytime sleepiness, sleep latency, and global sleep scores were lower 24 h after the marathon compared to the Placebo group. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency were higher in the Probiotic group compared to the Placebo group 24 h after the marathon. IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations decreased compared to Basal in both groups. IL-1β levels were lower 24 h after treatment compared to pre-treatment in the Placebo group. IL-6 was lower 24 h after the marathon in both groups. LPS concentrations were lower 1 h and 24 h after the marathon in the Probiotic group compared to the Basal group. There was no difference in cytokines and LPS between the groups. Conclusions: Supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis for 30 days changes self-reported sleep and reduces LPS concentration after the marathon.

Sexual activity is an important component of women's lives, which may affect their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation on sexual function (primary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome). This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 64 premenopausal and menopausal women with sexual dysfunction attending health centers in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to the probiotic and placebo groups using block randomization method. The probiotic group received a 250 mg capsule containing 3 × 109 CFU/cap of Lactobacillus acidophilus, while the placebo group received a 250 mg capsule containing regular corn starch once daily for 8 weeks. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Menopause Quality of Life (MENQoL) questionnaire were completed before and eight weeks after the intervention. For comparing the mean sexual function and Menopause quality of life scores between groups, independent t, ANCOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Before intervention, no significant differences were observed between the probiotic and placebo groups in terms of FSFI and MENQoL total scores or their subscales (P > 0.05). After 8 weeks, the probiotic group had a significantly higher total FSFI score compared with the placebo group (median 19.1 vs. 18.2, P = 0.038). Also, the total MENQoL score was significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo group (mean 25.1 vs. 30.9, P < 0.001). Our results indicated that probiotic consumption improves sexual function and Menopause quality of life. For a definitive conclusion, it is recommended that further studies be conducted in this area.Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N83. Date of registration: 11 May 2024; URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/76326/view ; Date of first registration: 19 May 2024. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND: As dysregulated gut microbiota is known in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and probiotics may improve it, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a combination probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 in non-constipated IBS. METHODS: Two hundred non-constipated IBS patients were randomized to the above-mentioned probiotic and placebo for 84 days. The outcome measures included IBS-Global Improvement Scale (IBS-GIS), IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QoL), EAR3Q, IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), and patient-reported improvement. Fecal microbiota was evaluated in a subset. RESULTS: Response in IBS-GIS was higher with probiotics than with placebo at days 28 (19.3% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.048), 56, and 84. Total and abdominal pain, distension, and QoL scores of IBS-SSS decreased at day 28 with probiotics that persisted till days 56 and 84. The percentage of patients with "severe" symptoms reduced from 20.8% at baseline to 3.9% at day 84, and the median IBS-QoL score decreased significantly at day 28; the beneficial effect on QoL was sustained till days 56 and 84 (p < 0.001). Improvement in abdominal pain, distension, urgency of defecation, bowel habit satisfaction, and stool frequency was noted earlier with probiotics than with placebo; 4.0% in the probiotic group and 0.9% in the placebo group had mild/moderate adverse events (p = 0.167). Symptom recurrence occurred in 3.0% in the probiotic group and 3.9% in the placebo group during follow-up of 180 days (p = 0.718). No difference was observed in the fecal microbiota between the two groups, but healthy genera were enriched with probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotic blend studied was more effective than placebo in non-constipated IBS in adults. © 2025 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

The relationship between frailty and gut microbiota has not been previously addressed in patients with cirrhosis. We studied by metagenomic shotgun sequencing the faecal microbiota composition associated with frailty in 29 patients with cirrhosis from a previous study (Román, Hepatol Commun 2024). Frail and prefrail patients were randomised to a multifactorial intervention (home exercise, branched-chain amino acids and a multistrain probiotic) or control for 12 months. We observed a positive correlation between the abundance of Rothia dentocariosa and the Liver frailty index (LFI), and between Bacteroides faecis and gait speed. After the multifactorial intervention, LFI improved and the main changes in the microbiota composition were a decrease in the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, and an increase in Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and several species of Bifidobacterium. We conclude that frailty in patients with cirrhosis was associated with a distinct microbiome signature. After a long-term multifactorial intervention, frailty improved in parallel with changes in microbiome composition. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04243148. © 2025 The Author(s). Liver International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Gut dysbiosis and gut-brain-axis involvement in people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) support the use of gut-microbiota-modulating interventions. Probiotics may help manage constipation in PwP; however, mechanisms underpinning additional beneficial properties are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim was evaluating the effects of a probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium) on gut microbiota, inflammation, motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) in PwP and constipation. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT05146921), PwP and constipation were randomized (1:1) to receive either the probiotic (4.08 × 108 CFU/mL) or placebo orally (70 mL/day) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the differential abundance of gut microbiota taxa between baseline and end-of-treatment in the active versus placebo group. Secondary/exploratory endpoints included changes in inflammatory cytokines plasma levels, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) plasma and fecal levels, motor and NMS outcomes after 12 weeks. A per-protocol analysis was performed. RESULTS: Between July 17, 2019 and February 6, 2022, 74 participants were randomized. Data from 35 (probiotic) and 33 (placebo) participants were analyzed. Enrichments of bacteria with beneficial health-related properties (Odoribacteraceae, Enterococcaceae, and Blautia faecicola) were observed in the active group compared to placebo (P ≤ 0.05). Proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α plasma levels decreased with probiotic treatment and increased with placebo (P < 0.05). No changes in SCFAs levels were observed. Reductions in time-to-on and NMS scale scores (P < 0.05) were observed only in the active group. CONCLUSIONS: This probiotic was effective in beneficially enriching the gut microbiota with potential to reduce systemic inflammation, shortening time-to-on following levodopa administration, and alleviating NMS burden in PwP experiencing constipation. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disor

BACKGROUND: Non-antibiotic treatments, such as carbon dots (C-dots), are gaining popularity in the search for effective alternatives. We aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of C-dots derived from Lactobacillus acidophilus (L-C-dots) alone and in combination against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates. METHODS: Seventy clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were tested for carbapenem resistance using a modified carbapenem inactivation assay. To determine the presence of fimH and mrkD genes, which are associated with biofilm formation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted. L-C-dots were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and characterized. Furthermore, their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities were evaluated against CRKP isolates. The combination of L-C-dots with the meropenem antibiotics were also tested using a checkerboard assay. Finally, the influence of L-C-dots on the expression levels of fimH and mrkD genes was examined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: L-C-dots demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against CRKP isolates, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 mg/mL and a sub-MIC of 25 mg/mL. L-C-dots effectively inhibited biofilm formation at MIC and sub-MIC concentrations (P ˂ 0.05). Additionally, the L-C-dots had synergistic and additive interactions with the meropenem antibiotics against CRKP isolates, reducing the MIC of both agents. Furthermore, the L-C-dots decreased the expression of the fimH(p< 0.029) and mrkD (p < 0.015) genes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that L-C-dots may serve as a promising new treatment option for CRKP infections. They show potential as a strong therapeutic choice, especially when used in combination with traditional antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent public health concerns. Biofilm formation is well linked with chronic wounds, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urinary tract infections, and cystic fibrosis. Our goal was to assess the biofilm activity of P. aeruginosa and the individual and combined anti-biofilm forming activity of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pomegranate peel extract Punica granatum L., against P. aeruginosa. METHODS: A total of 150 swabs of urine, blood, pus, and CSF were collected from PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi, and P. aeruginosa was isolated and identified according to standard bacteriological methods. The ability of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. RESULTS: The anti-biofilm forming activity of pomegranate peels extract against P. aeruginosa was 29.26±19.09 whereas the anti-biofilm forming activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus against P. aeruginosa was 0.5×106. When used in combination, there was significant synergistic activity between Punica granatum L. (pomegranate peel extract) and Lactobacillus acidophilus. CONCLUSIONS: The unique synergistic mixture of natural product extracts and probiotics has demonstrated more efficiency against rapidly evolving pathogens, serving as promising candidates for developing biofilm inhibitors and perhaps proving as possible environmentally friendly agents against bacteria that produce antibiotic-resistant biofilms.

Previous reports have suggested that many gut microbiomes were associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), and could modulate response to numerous forms of cancer therapy, including checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Here we evaluated the protective efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) cell lysates combined with an anti-CTL antigen-4 blocking antibody (CTLA-4 mAb) in syngeneic BALB/c mice CRC models induce by a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM), followed by three cycles of 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. In contrast to CTLA-4 mAb monotherapy, L. acidophilus lysates could attenuate the loss of body weight and the combined administration significantly protected mice against CRC development, which suggested that the lysates enhanced antitumor activity of CTLA-4 mAb in model mice. The enhanced efficacy was associated with the increased CD8 + T cell, increased effector memory T cells (CD44 + CD8 + CD62L+), decreased Treg (CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3+) and M2 macrophages (F4/80 + CD206+) in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, our results revealed that L. acidophilus lysates had an immunomodulatory effect through inhibition the M2 polarization and the IL-10 expressed levels of LPS-activated Raw264.7 macrophages. Finally, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota demonstrated that the combined administration significantly inhibited the abnormal increase in the relative abundance of proteobacteria and partly counterbalance CRC-induced dysbiosis in model mice. Overall, these data support promising clinical possibilities of L. acidophilus lysates with CTLA-4 mAb in cancer patients and the hypothesis that probiotics help shape the anticancer immune response.

Antimicrobial resistance is a challenging task for researchers to develop new strategies. Green synthesis of AuNPs is an eco-friendly approach, which can be utilized in the microbistatic and microbicidal activities. The current study is focused on Justicia glauca (aqueous leaf extract) mediated AuNPs synthesis at room temperature by treating chloroaurate ions, that shows an antagonistic effect with Azithromycin (AZM) and Clarithromycin (CLR) antibiotics against oral pathogenic bacteria and fungi (Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans). Characterization of green synthesized AuNPs was done by using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Biosynthesized AuNPs were stable, hexagonal and spherical shaped with a size ∼32.5 ± 0.25 nm. The AuNPs and drug conjugated AuNPs showed potential antibacterial and antifungal activity against the oral pathogens. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of biogenic AuNPs were observed in the range of 6.25-25 μg/mL against selected oral pathogens. Overall, we conclude that biogenic drug delivery system for AZM and CLR can be exploited as potential antimicrobial therapy in future, subject to detailed in-vitro and in-vivo cytotoxicity.

This work demonstrates that the addition of metronidazole together with a ubiquitous quinone compound reduces adherence of Lactobacillus acidophilus to ovine vaginal cells. Spectrophotometric and voltammetric studies have shown that neoformed compounds were observed in these systems; there were also changes in their electroactive composition, and the oxidant status had a significantly higher value compared to the control (p<0.05). Based on reduction potential (E; mV), the distribution of electroactive compound concentrations suggests that the compounds with low reduction potential induce this behavior, which would indicate that the addition of metronidazole with a ubiquitous quinone compound to the vaginal system might increase the reductive capacity of these systems. This work shows that the study of behavior and fluctuations of the redox compounds that compose the vaginal environment, in terms of concentration and species of redox molecules, must be hierarchized in order to better understand the early stages of colonization by microorganisms.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of combinations of sodium fluoride and antiseptic compounds on the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. METHODS: The agar diffusion assay was used to determine bacterial growth inhibition. RESULTS: Of the combinations tested, 0.1 percent sodium fluoride and five percent povidone iodine produced synergistic antibacterial effects against S. mutans and S. sanguinis. The combination of 10 percent povidone iodine and 0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite produced additive antibacterial effects against L. acidophilus. Interference was seen in some combinations such as 0.01 percent chlorhexidine and 0.25 percent sodium lauryl sulphate, 0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite and 10 percent povidone iodine, and 0.01 percent cetyl pyridium chloride and 0.1 percent sodium fluoride. However, 0.1 percent sodium fluoride combined with 0.01 percent chlorhexidine did not interfere with the antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine against S. mutans or S. sanguinis. CONCLUSIONS: Combinations of common antiseptics and fluoride compounds can produce interference, synergistic, or additive effects. The combination of 0.1 percent sodium fluoride and five percent povidone iodine had the greatest potential for suppression of S. mutans.

Through increased awareness and improved diagnostics, microsporidiosis has now been identified in a broader range of human populations; however current therapies are inconsistently effective. Recently, probiotics were determined as means for the control of intestinal parasitic infections through their secretory products; bacteriocins. This is the first study on the effect of bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus CH1 bacteriocin, with or without gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), against intestinal microsporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice. Fecal and intestinal spore loads, besides viability, extrusion and infectivity of spores from treated animals were assessed. Results showed that the anti-microsporidial effects of bacteriocin were significantly potent. This efficiency was further potentiated upon conjugating bacteriocins with Au-NPs, as it induced a strikingly sustained reduction in fecal spore shedding after cessation of therapy by 1 week (94.26%). Furthermore, reduction in intestinal spore load was highest in bacteriocin/Au-NPs-inoculated mice (89.7%) followed by bacteriocin-inoculated group (73.5%). Spores encountered from stool of bacteriocin/Au-NPs group showed 92.4% viability, versus 93.7% in bacteriocin group. Spore extrusion and infectivity were most inhibited by exposure to bacteriocin/Au-NPs. Safety of bacteriocin/Au-NPs was also verified. Thus, considering the results of the present work, L. acidophilus CH1-derived bacteriocin can present a powerful safe therapy against intestinal microsporidiosis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic antibiotics are an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, intolerable side effects may invariably occur. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether probiotics reduce the side effects imparted by systemic antibiotics while working synergistically with the latter in treating inflammatory acne. METHODS: Forty-five 18- to 35-year-old females were randomly assigned to one of three arms in this prospective, open-label study. Group A received probiotic supplementation, whereas group B received only minocycline. Group C was treated with both probiotic and minocycline. Clinical and subjective assessments were completed at baseline and during the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-up visits. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated a significant improvement in total lesion count 4 weeks after treatment initiation (p < .001), with continued improvement seen with each subsequent follow-up visit (p < .01). At the 8- and 12-week follow-up visits, group C had a significant decrease in total lesion count versus groups A (p < .001) and B (p < .01). Two patients (13%) from group B failed to complete the study secondary to vaginal candidiasis. CONCLUSION: Probiotics may be considered a therapeutic option or adjunct for acne vulgaris by providing a synergistic antiinflammatory effect with systemic antibiotics while also reducing potential adverse events secondary to chronic antibiotic use.

AIM: To carry out a pilot study to investigate the effect of short-term oral probiotic administration on the metabolism of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stabilized on SSZ. METHODS: Twelve subjects with RA taking stable doses of SSZ for a minimum of 3 months prior to the study, received a probiotic preparation contained three strains of bacteria (1.8 x 10(9) CFU/day) twice daily for 1 week. Single point blood and 12-h urine samples were taken before and after probiotic treatment and 3 weeks following discontinuation of probiotics, for determination of SSZ and its metabolites. The presence of the probiotic bacteria in the feces of patients was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). RESULTS: Adverse events recorded were three instances of gastrointestinal disturbance and one flare of RA. Plasma and urinary levels of SSZ and its metabolites showed no statistically significant changes after probiotic administration and the incidence of gastrointestinal disturbance did not appear to be ascribed to higher sulfapyridine plasma levels. Probiotic-specific DGGE bands were detected in the feces of some patients after the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term treatment of RA patients with a multi-strain probiotic did not significantly influence SSZ metabolism as has been demonstrated in animal models.

We have previously described a murein hydrolase activity for the surface layer (S-layer) of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356. Here we show that, in combination with nisin, this S-layer acts synergistically to inhibit the growth of pathogenic Gram-negative Salmonella enterica and potential pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. In addition, bacteriolytic effects were observed for the Gram-positive species tested. We postulate that the S-layer enhances the access of nisin into the cell membrane by enabling it to cross the cell wall, while nisin provides the sudden ion-nonspecific dissipation of the proton motive force required to enhance the S-layer murein hydrolase activity.