Lactobacillus helveticus

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women. This study investigates the impact of 8-week supplementation with two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum, on hormonal status, oxidative stress, and clinical symptoms in women with PCOS. Conducted as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the research involved 90 women with PCOS from Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Serum markers were assessed before and after the intervention. After adjusting for baseline values and confounding variables, the 8-week supplementation with two probiotic strains resulted in a significant increase in sex hormone binding globulin (24.39; 95% CI (15.23,33.55) vs. -11.99; 95% CI (-20.12, -3.86) nmol/L, P < 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (125.53; 95% CI (53.78,197.28) vs. -42.90; 95% CI (-78.32, -7.48) nmol/mL, P = 0.002) and Superoxide dismutase activity (0.19; 95% CI (0.09,0.30) vs. -0.11; 95% CI (-0.18, -0.04) U/mL, P < 0.001), in the intervention group compared to the placebo. While free androgen index (-57.05; 95% CI (-80.33, -33.76) vs. 49.86; 95% CI (28.81,70.92), P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (-0.50; 95% CI (-0.95, -0.04) vs. 0.05; 95% CI (-0.39,0.50), P = 0.046), and malondialdehyde levels (- 23.69; 95% CI (-30.02, -17.35) vs. -2.70; 95% CI (-9.19,3.77), P < 0.001), significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the placebo. Furthermore, testosterone total levels showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, although the between-group changes were not statistically significant after baseline value and other confounders adjustment (-3.37; 95% CI (-11.85, 5.11) vs. 6.48; 95% CI (3.43, 9.53) ng/dL, P = 0.08). Regarding clinical symptoms, including acne, alopecia, and hirsutism, the between-group changes were insignificant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that 8 weeks of probiotic supplementation may alleviate oxidative stress, modulate certain hormonal factors, and reduce inflammation in women with PCOS. Trial registration, the current study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 30 March 2024 (ID: IRCT20121216011763N62)

Dancers experience physical and psychological stressors that can impact gut health. We hypothesized that a three-month supplementation with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 would result in measurable alterations in the fecal metabolomic profile and improve gastrointestinal symptomatology in dancers. Of the 51 volunteers, 26 female dancers were randomized to a 12-week trial (NCT05567653). A homogenous group of 16 (probiotic: n = 5; placebo: n = 11) was analyzed. The participants received L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175 (3 × 109 colony-forming units/day) or a placebo. Baseline dietary intake and body composition were recorded. Fecal samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with the Rome IV questionnaire. Statistical methods included principal component analysis, mixed-effects models, and analysis of variance-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). The study revealed shifts in the probiotic group's fecal metabolome (permutation test p = 0.026), including a reduction in (2RS)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (p = 0.023). No improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms was observed. No adverse events occurred. L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175 may alter the gut metabolome, notably (2RS)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, but small sample size and absent symptom improvement limit the conclusions. Larger studies with varied doses and blood metabolite analysis are needed to confirm relevance.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract undergoes changes in obese individuals. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of kefir fortified with two strains, Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum, on depression, appetite, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters in overweight and obese elderly individuals. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 67 elderly men aged over 65, who were randomly divided into two groups. One group (n = 35) received one bottle (240 cc) of regular kefir as a placebo, while the intervention group (n = 32) received one bottle of probiotic-fortified kefir for eight weeks. Depression and appetite were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and a validated Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. Oxidative stress parameters were assessed using the standard calorimetric method, and inflammatory parameters were measured via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). The differences between the two groups were compared using the independent samples T-test. RESULTS: The median age of participant in both groups was 65 years. A significant difference in depression scores and the mean change between the two groups was observed after eight weeks (p = 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively). Within-group comparison revealed a significant increase in appetite scores in both groups (p < 0.05 for both). Moreover, a significant difference in the changes in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was noted (p = 0.009). However, no significant differences were observed in other oxidative and inflammatory parameters between the two groups (p˃0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the positive impact of two specific strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on improving depression in the elderly. However, when comparing the two groups, no significant effects were observed on appetite, inflammation, and oxidative stress parameters, except for TAC. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lactobacillus helveticus GCL1815 is a lactic acid bacterium thought to activate dendritic cells. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. helveticus GCL1815 on human dendritic cells and the onset of the common cold. METHODS: Two hundred participants were divided into two groups and took capsules containing either six billion L. helveticus GCL1815 cells or placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS: In the GCL1815 group, the cumulative incidence days of symptoms such as feverishness, fatigue, tiredness, runny nose, nasal congestion, and phlegm were significantly lower than in the placebo group. Moreover, the change in the expression of HLA-DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells was significantly higher in the GCL1815 group than in the placebo group at 4 and 8 weeks of intake. The expression of CD86 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells was significantly increased in the GCL1815 group at 4 and 8 weeks compared with before intake. Additionally, the expression of HLA-DR on type 1 conventional dendritic cells was significantly higher in the GCL1815 group than in the placebo group at 8 weeks of intake. The expression of CD86 on type 1 conventional dendritic cells significantly decreased in the placebo group but remained statistically the same in the GCL1815 group after intake compared with before. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that GCL1815 intake may enhance the response to viruses by activating two types of dendritic cells, thereby preventing the onset of systemic and local common colds in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is a need to identify new treatment options for depression with its comorbidities. Depression often coexists with liver steatosis and the two may share a pathophysiological overlap, including inflammation and microbiota changes. Probiotics might represent a safe option as an adjunctive therapy in patients with depression and possible liver steatosis. The paper presents the secondary analysis of a clinical trial of the effect of probiotic supplementation on the levels of non-invasive markers of liver steatosis and fibrosis in adult patients with depressive disorders. METHODS: The research had a two-arm, parallel-group, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled design on probiotics in depression. 116 participants received a probiotic preparation containing Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 over 60 days. Here, data from 92 subjects was analyzed. The following were assessed: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio, Hepatic Steatosis Index, Framingham Steatosis Index, as well as non-invasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis (AST to Platelet Ratio Index, Fibosis-4 Index), or baseline socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: The probiotics did not influence liver steatosis and fibrosis parameters compared with placebo (p = 0.940 for HSI). However, the subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in liver-related parameters when stratified by the main diagnosis group (better improvement in steatosis indices after probiotics in depressive episode than mixed depression and anxiety disorder patients) or psychotropic medications use (better improvement in ALT-based indices after probiotics in antidepressant-treated subjects than those non-antidepressant-treated). The interplay between probiotics, medications, clinical and metabolic profiles of depression, and the changes in liver-related parameters has been discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors may modulate the postulated hepatoprotective properties of probiotics efficacy in patients with depression. Further studies with larger sample sizes, different probiotic st

Probiotic-fermented milk is commonly used to maintain intestinal health. However, the effects of heat-treated fermented milk, which does not contain live microorganisms, on intestinal function are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to investigate whether heat-treated Lactobacillus helveticus CP790-fermented milk affects fecal microbiota and gut health as a "postbiotic". A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in healthy Japanese individuals aged 20-59 years with a tendency toward constipation. Participants consumed 100 mL of either the test beverage (n = 60) or placebo beverage (n = 60) for four weeks. The test beverages were prepared with heat-treated CP790-fermented milk, while the placebo beverages were prepared with nonfermented milk flavored with lactic acid. Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Constipation symptoms were assessed using defecation logs and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire. Mood state was also assessed using the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2) questionnaire to explore its potential as a "psychobiotic". Desulfobacterota were significantly decreased by CP790-fermented milk intake. PICRUSt2 analysis predicted a decrease in the proportion of genes involved in the sulfate reduction pathway following the consumption of CP790-fermented milk. The CP790-fermented milk intervention significantly improved stool consistency and straining during defecation. These improvements were correlated with a decrease in Desulfobacterota. After the intervention, overall mood, expressed as total mood disturbance, and depression-dejection were significantly better in the CP790 group than in the placebo group. These results suggest that the intake of CP790-fermented milk could be effective in modulating gut microbiota and improving constipation symptoms and mood states.

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel trial investigated whether generally healthy adult, nonelite runners would have a greater time-to-exhaustion during submaximal treadmill running with probiotic versus placebo supplementation. It was hypothesized that the probiotic would impact training progression by reducing gastrointestinal (GI) and cold/flu symptoms. Participants who typically ran ≥24 km/week, ran or cross-trained 3-5 days per week, and had a maximal oxygen intake (V̇O2 max) in the 60-85th percentile were enrolled. V̇O2 max was used to establish individualized workload settings (85% of V̇O2 max) for the submaximal endurance tests at baseline and following 6 weeks of supplementation with a probiotic (Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10, 5×109 CFU/capsule/day) or placebo. Participants self-reported GI and cold/flu symptoms and physical activity via daily and weekly questionnaires. Outcomes were tested using a linear model to determine if mean response values adjusted for baseline differed between groups. Twenty-eight participants (n = 14/group), aged 25 ± 5 years (mean ± SD) with a body mass index of 23 ± 3 kg/m2, completed the study. At the final visit the probiotic group had a lower time-to-exhaustion versus the placebo group (P = 0.01) due to an increase in time-to-exhaustion with the placebo (1344 ± 188 to 1565 ± 219 s, P = 0.01) with no change with the probiotic (1655 ± 230 to 1547 ± 215 s, P = 0.23). During the intervention, the probiotic group completed fewer aerobic training sessions per week (P = 0.02) and trained at a lower intensity (P = 0.007) versus the placebo group. Few GI and cold/flu symptoms were reported with no differences between groups. Time-to-exhaustion increased in the placebo group, possibly due to differences in training habits.

Emerging research links the endocannabinoid system to gut microbiota, influencing nociception, mood, and immunity, yet the molecular interactions remain unclear. This study focused on the effects of probiotics on ECS markers-cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-in dancers, a group selected due to their high exposure to physical and psychological stress. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05567653), 15 dancers were assigned to receive either a 12-week regimen of Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-17 or a placebo (PLA: n = 10, PRO: n = 5). There were no significant changes in CB2 (probiotic: 0.55 to 0.29 ng/mL; placebo: 0.86 to 0.72 ng/mL) or FAAH levels (probiotic: 5.93 to 6.02 ng/mL; placebo: 6.46 to 6.94 ng/mL; p > 0.05). A trend toward improved sleep quality was observed in the probiotic group, while the placebo group showed a decline (PRO: from 1.4 to 1.0; PLA: from 0.8 to 1.2; p = 0.07841). No other differences were noted in assessed outcomes (pain and fatigue). Probiotic supplementation showed no significant impact on CB2 or FAAH levels, pain, or fatigue but suggested potential benefits for sleep quality, suggesting an area for further research.

Probiotics may represent a safe and easy-to-use treatment option for depression or its metabolic comorbidities. However, it is not known whether metabolic features can influence the efficacy of probiotics treatments for depression. This trial involved a parallel-group, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled design. In total, 116 participants with depression received a probiotic preparation containing Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 or placebo over 60 days. The psychometric data were assessed longitudinally at five time-points. Data for blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, complete blood count, serum levels of C-reactive protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were measured at the beginning of the intervention period. There was no advantage of probiotics usage over placebo in the depression score overall (PRO vs. PLC: F(1.92) = 0.58; p = 0.45). However, we found a higher rate of minimum clinically important differences in patients supplemented with probiotics than those allocated to placebo generally (74.5 vs. 53.5%; X2(1,n = 94) = 4.53; p = 0.03; NNT = 4.03), as well as in the antidepressant-treated subgroup. Moreover, we found that the more advanced the pre-intervention metabolic abnormalities (such as overweight, excessive central adipose tissue, and liver steatosis), the lower the improvements in psychometric scores. A higher baseline stress level was correlated with better improvements. The current probiotic formulations may only be used as complementary treatments for depressive disorders. Metabolic abnormalities may require more complex treatments. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04756544.

BACKGROUND: There are complicated mechanisms that link the disruption of the gut microbiome to the symptoms and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, an attempt was made to assess the effects of synbiotics on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with PCOS . METHODS: Fifty-six women with PCOS were enrolled in a triple-blind controlled trial for 12 weeks. They were randomly assigned to receive a daily 2-gram synbiotic sachets (containing Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30), Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and fructooligosaccharide) (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28). To evaluate the impact on the HRQoL, participants were required to fill 26-Item Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-26), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) pre and post the intervention. RESULTS: Finally, statistical analyses were performed on 52 participants who finished the trial. Synbiotic supplementation improved the scores of emotional (P = 0.044), body hair (P = 0.016), weight (P = 0.033) and infertility domains (P = 0.027) of PCOSQ-26 compared to placebo group. The physical score within SF-12 also had a significant enhancement (P = 0.035). No significant improvement was seen in the PSS-10 score at the end of the trial. CONCLUSION: This study illustrated the advantageous effects of synbiotics on the health-related quality of life in women with PCOS. Further studies are required to confirm our findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.irct.ir : IRCT20211108053007N1; date of registration: 14/02/2023. © 2024. The Author(s).

This study aimed to determine the effects of a Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk drink containing lactononadecapeptide (NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) on the cognitive function of healthy middle-aged adults. A randomised, double-blind controlled study was conducted in healthy participants who were randomly assigned to receive a L. helveticus-fermented milk drink (190 g/day) or the equivalent amount of a placebo drink once a day for eight weeks. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) test. There was a statistically significant improvement in the total score, attention score, and delayed memory score of participants who received the L. helveticus-fermented milk drink. There was also a significant difference in the attention score between the placebo and test groups after eight weeks (p = .028). Therefore, supplementation of healthy middle-aged adults with a L. helveticus-fermented milk drink for eight weeks improved both attention and delayed memory.

Lactic fermentation modifies milk proteins through the proteolytic activity of lactic acid bacteria, potentially altering their susceptibility to gastrointestinal digestion. This study evaluated how fermentation by Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus helveticus, individually and in co-culture, affects the structure of bovine milk proteins, their subsequent gastrointestinal digestion, and residual immunoreactivity. Milk was fermented with L. delbrueckii, L. helveticus, or their co-culture. Residual immunoreactivity of caseins (CNs) and β-lactoglobulin (βLG) was determined by ELISA, and protein profiles were evaluated by SDS-PAGE before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion using age-specific physiological models representative of 1-, 3-, and 6-month-old infants and adults. Fermentation with L. delbrueckii and the co-culture reduced the ELISA-detectable CN fraction by 7.42% and 8.85%, respectively, while L. delbrueckii was the only treatment to significantly decrease residual βLG immunoreactivity (2.17%). The effects of fermentation were most evident in the infant digestion models. Fermentation by L. delbrueckii was associated with more pronounced reductions in bands within the molecular weight regions expected for caseins and whey proteins during gastric digestion in the 1- and 3-month-old infant models, whereas these differences progressively diminished with digestive maturity. Throughout all digestion models, bands within the molecular weight range expected for βLG remained among the most persistent protein bands during gastric digestion. In silico analyses predicted preferential hydrolysis of caseins, the release of peptides with potential biological activities, and the differential persistence of linear allergenic epitope sequences among milk proteins. Strain-dependent lactic fermentation partially remodeled milk proteins before digestion, influencing their subsequent gastrointestinal behavior. The results indicate that the effects of fermentation depend not only on strain-specific protein modifications but also on the physiological conditions under which digestion occurs, providing new insights into the interaction between fermentation-induce

Exosomes derived from probiotics are emerging as innovative oral nanocarriers but face challenges in targeted delivery and stability. Here, Lactobacillus helveticus-derived exosomes (LHexo) were dual-functionalized with mannose and cRGD (McRLHexo), yielding improved membrane lipid ordering, denser PEG brush layer, and distinct "cloud-like" surface nanostructure. McRLHexo exhibited enhanced stability under UV (transmittance reduction > 98%), thermal, and digestive conditions (drug retention >86%), and increased pterostilbene (PTS) loading. Functionally, McRLHexo@PTS achieved efficient epithelial translocation via cRGD-integrin pathways and macrophage targeting via Man/cRGD dual-recognition. In DSS-induced colitis mice, McRLHexo showed optimal targeting accumulation and uptake in the colon. Importantly, McRLHexo@PTS markedly alleviated colitis, restoring body weight, colon length, and epithelial integrity while reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant defenses. This study establishes a dual-targeted probiotic exosome platform for oral therapy and provides insights into ligand-membrane engineering for precision intestinal delivery. © 2026 American Chemical Society.

Ferulic acid esterases (FAEs) are enzymes that interact with esterified components of plant cell walls, facilitating the release of free ferulic acid (FA) from plant materials. Therefore, they hold significant importance across multiple industries, including pharma, food, and cosmetics. This investigation involved the cloning, expression, and characterization of FAE from the human fecal metagenome. Sequence analysis revealed that the cloned gene was approximately 750 bp in length and contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 252 amino acids. The resulting recombinant protein displayed a molecular weight of 28 kDa and 49.7% identity with the chlorogenic acid esterase from Lactobacillus helveticus. The hydrolytic activity of the recombinant FAE was validated using p-nitrophenyl-ferulate (pNPF) as the substrate, with optimal activity at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 35°C. The enzyme showed stability within a pH range of 5.0-7.0 and temperatures from 5°C to 35°C. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated that the FAE enzyme could release up to 49.7% of total alkali-extractable FA from dehydrated rice bran, followed by wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse. The total phenolic content of sugarcane bagasse increased by approximately 100% after in situ enzymatic fermentation compared with the chemically extracted fraction. These results indicate that cloned FAE can be used as a potential biocatalyst in industrial applications. © 2026 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

BACKGROUND: As a novel immunomodulatory strategy alternative to live bacterial agents, postbiotics remain incompletely understood with respect to their principal functional components and mechanisms of action. This study isolated and identified the active ingredients - namely, exopolysaccharides (EPS) and bacteriocins - from the crude postbiotics (CP) of Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701, and investigated their immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties and potential underlying mechanisms of action. RESULTS: Characterization showed that the purified exopolysaccharide (PEPS) had a weight-average molecular weight of 134.6 kDa and an ordered triple-helical conformation. Functional comparison revealed that PEPS played a dominant role in bidirectional immunomodulation, significantly outperforming CP in promoting the proliferation of normal macrophages (viability reaching 230.61% at 5 mg mL-1) and inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of inflammatory cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, PEPS exhibited superior antioxidant capacity and significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity in inflammatory cells (P < 0.05). In contrast, high concentrations of purified bacteriocin (PB) (> 1.25 mg mL-1) were cytotoxic, and its combination with PEPS did not yield a synergistic immunomodulatory effect. Intervention with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) further confirmed that PEPS inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by efficiently scavenging ROS. This anti-inflammatory effect was equivalent to that of the NAC group and significantly superior to that of the CP group (P < 0.05), whereas CP showed no compensatory effect via alternative pathways after ROS blockade. CONCLUSION: This study identified and verified PEPS as the principal immunomodulatory component of the postbiotics of L. helveticus, providing a theoretical foundation for the development of standardized preparations using PEPS as a quality control target. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microbial fermentation of legume proteins and legume-based ingredients is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for developing innovative food products with improved nutritional and functional properties. Accordingly, this study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of fermenting chickpea protein isolate (CPI) using the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus helveticus, the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, and the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus on its antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality, and protein molecular weight distribution. Microbial growth occurred predominantly within the first 24 h and differed significantly among microorganisms, with B. subtilis (2.7 ± 0.1 log CFU/mL increase) showing the highest and L. helveticus (0.9 ± 0.1 log CFU/mL increase) showing the lowest increase. Despite the reduction in certain amino acids, fermentation increased the essential-to-total amino acid ratio in all samples, with the greatest enhancement observed in Bacillus-fermented products. While antioxidant activity markedly enhanced following B. subtilis fermentation in DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays, K. marxianus and L. helveticus did not induce significant changes compared to the control sample, with total phenolic content remaining statistically unchanged across all groups. Fermentation also reduced phytic acid content from 44.5 μg/100 mL in the control sample to 38.3 μg/100 mL (14%) with B. subtilis, 30.5 μg/100 mL (31%) with K. marxianus, and most markedly to 13.3 μg/100 mL (70%) with L. helveticus, while condensed tannins exhibited only minor reductions, decreasing from 3.20 to 2.68 mg catechin/100 mL. © 2026 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This study investigated the production of low-molecular-weight peptides (< 3 kDa) from milk proteins by endemic lactic acid bacteria strains and examined the effects of strain type, fermentation, and storage time on functional peptide formation to identify promising bioactive peptides and their producer strains for targeted functional dairy applications. To achieve this, < 3 kDa peptide fractions obtained from fermented milk with various LAB strains were characterized using LC-QTOF-MS. The highest peptides numbers were identified in samples fermented with Lactobacillus (Lb.) helveticus. β-casein-derived peptides predominated due to its high abundance in milk and flexible structure, which makes it more susceptible to proteolysis by LAB enzymes. This facilitates extensive peptide release during fermentation, and many of these fragments possess known antimicrobial activities, explaining their strong contribution to antibacterial potential. In vitro antibacterial activities were also assessed, and peptide sequences were scored for antibacterial potential using a Random Forest model. Random Forest analysis indicated that β-casein derived peptides were the main contributors to antibacterial potential. Serum albumin was hydrolyzed to a greater extent compared to other whey proteins. <3 kDa peptide fractions demonstrated inhibitory activity only against the Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium and Escherichia (E.) coli. The anticancer activities of the peptide fractions were evaluated against colorectal (HT-29), hepatocellular (Hep-G2), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, along with their immunomodulatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Anticancer activity was observed to be dose-dependent across all tested cell lines, with the most pronounced inhibitory effect generally detected at 50 µg/mL (p < 0.05). Peptide fractions derived from L. paraplantarum showed the strongest inhibitory effects against all tested cancer cell lines. Although no significant increase was observed in IL-12 and IL-6 levels, peptide fractions from L. paraplantarum and Lb. helveticus 11B2, enhanced TNF-α production in macrophages, indicating a controlled activation of macrophage-m

Background: Overweight and metabolic disorders are strongly associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Probiotics represent a safe dietary strategy to improve metabolic health, although strain-specific effects remain unclear. This study evaluated the metabolic and gut microbiota-modulating effects of Lactobacillus helveticus (UA881) in overweight adults. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 overweight adults (Body mass index, BMI 25-27 kg/m2) were assigned to receive UA881 (5 × 109 CFU/day) or placebo for 28 days. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, serum biochemical markers, inflammatory cytokines, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing) were assessed at baseline and after 28 days. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and ANCOVA adjusted for baseline values. Results: After 28 days of supplementation, UA881 significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and body fat mass. The primary endpoint, serum triglycerides, was significantly decreased, and the increases in uric acid, total cholesterol, and Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) observed in the placebo group were attenuated. No significant changes were observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Fecal butanoic acid showed an increasing trend, and gut microbiota alpha diversity was significantly improved. At the genus level, Anaerostipes and Blautia were enriched, while Collinsella was reduced. Conclusions: A 28-day supplementation with L. helveticus UA881 (5 × 109 CFU/day) improved body composition and lipid-related metabolic parameters and favorably modulated gut microbiota composition in overweight adults, supporting its potential as a probiotic candidate for metabolic health.

The present study evaluates the antibacterial efficacy of a bacteriocin synthesized by Lactobacillus helveticus PMP-6 (GenBank accession no. MT444488) against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xpp-1), the etiological agent of bacterial blight in Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate). The bacteriocin underwent purification, leading to a substantial increase in its specific activity from 233.849 AUmg-1 to 3615.81 AUmg-1, confirming successful enrichment of the bioactive peptide. Antibacterial assays demonstrated inhibitory effects under optimal conditions of 40 °C and pH 7.0, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 300 µgmL-1 and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 400 µgmL-1. The antibacterial effect diminished in the presence of proteolytic enzymes, suggesting its proteinaceous nature. SDS-PAGE profiling of purified bacteriocin revealed a molecular weight of approximately 17 kDa. Furthermore, a Detached Leaf Assay validated it's in planta effectiveness, as no visible disease symptoms were observed in treated pomegranate leaves up to 96 h. of post-inoculation. Collectively, these results underscore the potential of L. helveticus PMP-6-derived bacteriocin as a environmentally sustainable biocontrol agent for managing bacterial blight disease of pomegranate, providing a viable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. We evaluated the effect of next generation probiotics (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Lactis [LL001], L. helveticus [LH001], and Pediococcus pentosaceus KID7 [PPKID7]) on liver function parameters and stool microbiome in patients with MASLD. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind parallel trial of 110 patients diagnosed with MASLD. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups given three probiotics (3 capsules [9 × 109 CFU]/day, n = 85) or placebo (n = 25) alongside sylimarin for 8 weeks. Clinical characteristics, serum samples, and stool samples for 16 S rRNA gene sequencing were collected at the start and end point of the study. The primary endpoint was improvement in liver function. RESULTS: In the probiotic group, LL001 treatment improved alanine transaminase (87.3 ± 8.2 to 71.1 ± 6.0 U/L, P = 0.01) and aspartate transaminase levels (64.9 ± 4.9 to 50.0 ± 3.5 U/L, P < 0.01), LH001 group showed body weight reduction (78.4 ± 3.0 to 77.2 ± 2.8 kg, P = 0.01), and PPKID7 reduced cholesterol levels (186.1 ± 7.0 to 178.0 ± 7.9 mmol/L, P = 0.03). Probiotics treatment decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria and increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae in the LL001 group. In the pre- and post-comparison of probiotic treatment at the level of the top 20 genera, a tendency was observed to decrease the genera Haemohlius and Ruminococcus_g2 while increasing the genus Bifidobacterium. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of probiotics supplementation was associated with changes in the stool microbiome and improvements in the blood biochemical parameters of MASLD. REGISTRATION NUMBER OF CLINICAL TRIAL: NCT04555434. © 2025. The Author(s).

The poor stability of single casein (CAS) gel limits its widespread industrial application, the addition of polysaccharides usually can be helpful to improve its property. In this study, the effect and mechanism of three purified polysaccharides obtained from Lactobacillus helveticus MB2-1 fermented milk (LHP1, LHP2, LHP3) on the gel properties of CAS were investigated. The results showed that LHP1, LHP2, and LHP3 exhibited distinct structural and charge characteristics, corresponding to neutral, weakly negative, and strongly negative, respectively. The addition of LHP1, LHP2 and LHP3 (0.5-2.0 %, w/v) all improved the particle size, water-holding capacity, rheological properties, and microstructure of CAS gels in a concentration-dependent manner. Through multispectral analysis, surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryl content, and protein solubility analysis, it was concluded that the molecular weight and charge characteristics of polysaccharides played a critical role in the formation of the CAS/LHP1, CAS/LHP2, CAS/LHP3 gel composites. Molecular simulations revealed high stability in CAS/LHP1, CAS/LHP2, and CAS/LHP3 composites. CAS-LHP1 interacted mainly via hydrogen bonding, CAS-LHP2 through weak electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding at high concentrations, while CAS-LHP3 involved strong electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. These findings provided a theoretical basis for regulating the stability of CAS gel systems by L. helveticus MB2-1 polysaccharides addition.

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) play an important role in the processing of fermented dairy products, yet the regulation of their biosynthesis and structure remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined the genomes of 46 strains of Lactobacillus helveticus along with the production and molecular weight of their EPS, and for the first time, employed genome-wide association studies to explore the molecular mechanisms influencing EPS biosynthesis. The main findings reveal that hypothetical protein and UDP-N-acetyllucosamine 2-heptanedioic acid were significantly associated with both EPS production and number average molecular weight (Mn), but the trend is opposite. Alpha-D-GlcNAc alpha-1,2-L-rhamnosyltransferase and UDP-galactopyranose mutase were only considerably associated with EPS Mn, but not with EPS production. The C → T mutation in the exopolysaccharide biosynthesis protein resulted in a significant decrease in EPS Mn, whereas the same mutation in the Wzz/Phepe/Etk N-terminal domain containing protein significantly elevated EPS production. Additionally, it was found that high Mn EPS can enhance the texture, water-holding capacity, and rheological properties of fermented milk. This study demonstrates that the combination of comparative genomics and genome-wide association studies can effectively analyze the structural differences of EPS in lactic acid bacteria, and confirms that high Mn EPS significantly improves the gel properties of fermented milk.

Background/Objectives: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), widely prescribed for anxiety disorders, may negatively impact the gut microbiota, contributing to dysbiosis. Considering the gut-brain axis's importance in mental health, probiotics could represent an effective adjunctive strategy. This study evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 on microbiota composition, metabolic activity, and immune markers in fecal samples from patients with anxiety on SSRIs, using the SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model. Methods: The fecal microbiotas of four patients using sertraline or escitalopram were inoculated in SHIME® reactors simulating the ascending colon. After stabilization, a 14-day probiotic intervention was performed. Microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ammonia, and GABA were measured, along with the prebiotic index (PI). Intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) were analyzed using a Caco-2/THP-1 co-culture system. The statistical design employed in this study for the analysis of prebiotic index, metabolites, intestinal barrier integrity and cytokines levels was a repeated measures ANOVA, complemented by post hoc Tukey's tests to assess differences across treatment groups. For the 16S rRNA sequencing data, alpha diversity was assessed using multiple metrics, including the Shannon, Simpson, and Fisher indices to evaluate species diversity, and the Chao1 and ACE indices to estimate species richness. Beta diversity, which measures microbiota similarity across groups, was analyzed using weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances. To assess significant differences in beta diversity between groups, a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed using the Adonis test. Results: Probiotic supplementation increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and decreased Klebsiella and Bacteroides. Beta diversity was significantly altered, while alpha diversity remained unchanged. SCFA levels increased after

Corn gluten meal and rice bran mixture (CRM) are major agricultural by-products of food processing. The nutritional quality of fermented CRM (FCRM) was enhanced through ultrasound-assisted fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae AOX and Lactobacillus helveticus LHS. Additionally, polydopamine/chitosan-gum Arabic/FCRM (P-C-FCRM) microcapsules were fabricated under ultrasonic conditions to enhance the stability of bioactive compounds. After ultrasound-assisted fermentation, high-molecular-weight proteins, zein, and fibers in FCRM were significantly degraded, resulting in 3.32-, 1.42-, and 11.87-fold increases in peptides, total free amino acids, and reducing sugars, respectively, while levels of bioactive compounds-including phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids-were also markedly elevated. P-C-FCRM achieved 95.47% encapsulation efficiency and exhibited excellent storage stability. In vitro simulated digestion experiments demonstrated that the degradation rate of unencapsulated FCRM was 59.17%, whereas that of P-C-FCRM was 20.31%, enabling the targeted release of P-C-FCRM in the intestine. Furthermore, in vivo experiments were conducted to examine the regulatory effects of P-C-FCRM on the gut microbiota of chicks. In vivo studies demonstrated that P-C-FCRM improved chick growth and gut health by increasing probiotics and short-chain fatty acids. This work introduces a scalable bioprocess integrating ultrasound, microbial fermentation, and microencapsulation, offering a novel strategy for the valorization of agricultural by-products into value-added functional feed products.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathologically characterized by intestinal immune dysregulation, and substantial clinical evidence suggests that probiotic supplementation demonstrates efficacy and safety. Our study delineated the protective effect of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 (LH R0052) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model and its prospective mechanism. The results suggested that DSS administration induced significant body weight loss, colon shortening, and elevated disease activity index (DAI). Pathological assessments revealed exacerbated colonic tissue injury, concurrent with intestinal barrier disruption, systemic inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolic dysregulation compared to controls. The administration of LH R0052 exerted a protective effect against colitis by improving the phenotypic presentation, suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria, modulating immune responses, preserving intestinal barrier integrity, and restoring the intestinal microbiota and metabolic homeostasis. In summary, our study demonstrated that LH R0052 exhibited potential efficacy in alleviating DSS-induced UC and hold promise as a probiotic for mitigating intestinal inflammation.

Anxiety symptomatology and metabolic functioning are intricately related, with associated mechanisms yet to be fully delineated. Nutritional manipulations may influence these outcomes in a sex-specific manner. This study characterized the interactive effects of the Cerebiome® probiotic and the D12079B-formulated Western diet (WD) on anxiety- and feeding-related behaviors and physiological outcomes in 80 male and female Long-Evans rats born to dams also administered either the probiotic or placebo during gestation and lactation. In WD-fed rats, the probiotic attenuated the increase in daily calorie intake observed in placebo rats. Subsequently, in the novelty-suppressed feeding task (NSFT), probiotic standard diet (SD) males spent more time in the center of an open field, suggesting a reduced anxiety-related state. Independent of diet and sex, probiotic administration resulted in more feeding bouts and food pellet contacts in the center compared to placebo. Furthermore, independent of probiotic and sex, WD rats lost less weight following the 24 h fast prior to behavioral testing and consumed more calories during the NSFT compared to SD rats. At sacrifice, rats given Cerebiome® had higher adrenal neuropeptide Y expression than placebo, and females had higher adrenal glucocorticoid receptor expression than males. In plasma, leptin was increased with WD and ghrelin was increased in SD females. These findings demonstrate that the Cerebiome® probiotic and this specific WD differentially affect behavioral and physiological indicators of health. We additionally demonstrate that concurrently administered nutritional factors interact to affect study outcomes based on sex, supporting the inclusion of both sexes in similar preclinical nutrition research.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have mainly focused on the relationship between probiotic supplementation and childhood obesity in infancy and school-age periods, with a lack of research on preschool stage (3-7 years). This study aimed to explore whether early childhood supplementation with probiotics (0-3 years) could reduce the risk of overweight and obesity among preschoolers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 among preschoolers from Longhua District, Shenzhen, China. Their mothers were asked to complete a structured questionnaire regarding socio-demographic details and probiotic supplementation of children during the first 0-3 years. Trained professionals measured the children's current weight and height. Childhood obesity was defined as the body mass index (BMI) being at or above the cut-offs for age and sex according to the BMI growth curves for Chinese children. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between probiotic supplementation in children aged 0-3 years and preschool overweight and obesity with controlling for potential confounders. Sex differences, gestational age differences, and birth weight differences were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 31,190 children included, 1,389 were classified as obese and 4,337 as overweight. After controlling for potential confounding factors, multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested that probiotic supplementation during the period of age 0-3 years was associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.82 ~ 0.95) or obesity (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72 ~ 0.93). Children who consumed a probiotic product containing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 had a lower risk of being overweight (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80 ~ 0.96) or obese (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73 ~ 0.98). Further stratified analyses showed a significant association with a lower likelihood of obesity only in girls (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56 ~ 0.88), but no significant association was observed in boys (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.75 ~ 1.02). DISCUSSION: Probiotic supplementation in children aged 0

Only a few studies have shown that certain probiotics have beneficial effects on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In this study, two strains of Bifidobacterium breve, CNCM I-5644 and CNCM I-5979, selected for their in vitro immunomodulatory properties demonstrated in a screening of 20 strains and a mixture of 4 probiotic strains selected based on its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties were evaluated in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Supplementation with these probiotics (7 days before plus 7 days after infection) reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection with a significantly reduced viral load in the upper respiratory tract and lungs and improved weight recovery. Probiotics also counteracted the increase in inflammatory markers and intestinal permeability. The impact of these probiotics was independent of microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid production. Overall, these data suggest that the probiotics tested, in particular the mix containing Bifidobacterium longum LA101, Lactobacillus helveticus LA102, Lactococcus lactis LA103, and Streptococcus thermophilus LA104, can facilitate recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection (as shown by weight regain in infected hamsters) by reducing viral load and inflammation. IMPORTANCE: Our study investigated the potential benefits of specific probiotics in fighting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19). We tested two strains of Bifidobacterium breve selected based on their immune-boosting properties, along with a commercial mix of four probiotic strains chosen for its antiviral and immune-modulating effects. These probiotics were administered to hamsters over a week before and a week after infection. Supplementation with these probiotics significantly reduced the viral load in the upper respiratory tract and lungs, promoting recovery as demonstrated by the weight regain observed. In addition to reducing viral presence, the probiotics also helped lower inflammation and improved gut health by counteracting increased intestinal permeability. Our findings suggest that probiotics, particularly the mix of four strains, could support recovery

BACKGROUND: Polyphenols have attracted widespread attention owing to their excellent biological activities. However, their low solubility and poor stability limit their bio-accessibility. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the complexation of polysaccharides with polyphenols represents an efficacious strategy to overcome these limitations. Nonetheless, there remains little research exploring the binding effects and underlying mechanisms between exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria and polyphenols. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the structural and functional properties of different complexes prepared using Lactobacillus helveticus MB2-1 exopolysaccharides (LHP) with six kinds of polyphenols. RESULTS: Six LHP-polyphenol complexes were prepared by non-covalent interactions of LHP with catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercetin (QU), chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid (FA) and caffeic acid (CAA), and their corresponding binding ratios were 215.80, 223.96, 233.89, 220.35, 198.74 and 214.90 g kg-1, respectively. Obvious differences were shown in Fourier transform infrared spectra of LHP, polyphenols and their complexes, which confirmed the existence of interactions between them. Moreover, the binding of LHP with polyphenols resulted in obvious changes in molecular weight distribution and aggregation behavior of LHP, significantly enhanced antioxidant activities compared to LHP alone and significantly increased the bio-accessibility of polyphenols as well. Notably, QU and EGCG both have an inhibitory stimulatory effect in the case of LHP binding or forming a mixture, whereas CAA and FA have bidirectional regulation of NO production in macrophages, that is, immunosuppression and immune activation. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that the non-covalent complexation of LHP with polyphenols presented fine potentiality in improving the structure and function of food products. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum M616 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC 32883 were used in modifying Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYPs) through fermentation. The carbohydrate content of microbe-fermented CYP (CYP-LS) was 78.49 % ± 1.64 %, versus the 71.03 % ± 2.75 % carbon content of unfermented CYP (CYP-NF). However, CYP-LS had a lower protein content (6.01 % ± 0.08 %) than CYP-NF (8.24 % ± 0.19 %). The molar ratios among rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose were respectively 0.493:0.6695:0.9738:0.7655:12.4365 for CYP-NF and 0.2849:0.182:0.5684:1.4069:3.7227 for CYP-LS. Molecular weight and polydispersity decreased respectively from 124.774 kDa (CYP-NF) to 34.111 kDa (CYP-LS) to and from 6.58 (CYP-NF) to 5.176 (CYP-LS). Moreover, CYP-LS had better immunomodulatory activity than CYP-NF, regulating superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-β in a RAW 264.7 cell model. A combination of CYP-LS and probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus HH-LPH17, Lactobacillus johnsonii LBJ 456® and Lactobacillus acidophilus HH-LA26) showed enhanced immune activity.

Colonization of co-evolved, species-specific microbes in early life plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal development and immune function. This study hypothesized that modern pig production practices have resulted in the loss of co-evolved species and critical symbiotic host-microbe interactions. To test this, we reintroduced microbes from wild boars (WB) into conventional piglets to explore their colonization dynamics and effects on gut microbial communities, metabolite profiles, and immune responses. At postnatal day (PND) 21, 48 piglets were assigned to four treatment groups: (i) WB-derived mixed microbial community (MMC), (ii) sow-derived MMC, (iii) a combination of WB and sow MMC (Mix), or (iv) Control (PBS). Post-transplantation analyses at PND 48 revealed distinct microbial communities in WB-inoculated piglets compared with Controls, with trends toward differentiation from Sow but not Mix groups. WB-derived microbes were more successful in colonizing piglets, particularly in the Mix group, where they competed with Sow-derived microbes. WB group cecal digesta enriched with Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus mucosae, and Lactobacillus pontis. Cecal metabolite analysis showed that WB piglets were enriched in histamine, acetyl-ornithine, ornithine, citrulline, and other metabolites, with higher histamine levels linked to Lactobacillus abundance. WB piglets exhibited lower cecal IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared with Control and Sow groups, whereas the Mix group showed reduced IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6 compared with the Sow group. No differences in weight gain, fecal scores, or plasma cytokines were observed, indicating no adverse effects. These findings support that missing WB microbes effectively colonize domestic piglets and may positively impact metabolite production and immune responses.IMPORTANCEThis study addresses the growing concern over losing co-evolved, species-specific microbes in modern agricultural practices, particularly in pig production. The implementation of strict biosecurity measures and widespread antibiotic use in conventional farming systems may disrupt crucial host-microbe interactions that are essential for gastrointestinal developme

BACKGROUND: This investigation investigates the anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic effects of a cocktail of probiotics derived from traditional dairy products in a murine model of ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mix of newly isolated probiotics containing L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. delbrueckii, and L. helveticus was characterized and orally administered to inbred eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice (n = 6). Clinical symptoms, pathohistological changes, and inflammatory and fibrosis markers were analyzed in the existence and absence of probiotics in colitis mice. RESULTS: Dairy lactobacillus probiotics potently attenuated colitis symptoms by decreasing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, rectal bleeding, and rectal prolapse. Consistently, a cocktail of probiotics could significantly improve histopathological grading by suppressing crypt loss, mucosal damage, and inflammation scores in colitis tissues. Moreover, the mix of probiotics suppressed pro-inflammatory genes including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and increased anti-oxidant markers and activity such as superoxide dismutase and catalase in colon tissue. Furthermore, compared to the no-treated group, the administration of probiotics reduced fibrosis by decreasing collagen deposition in tissue sections and down-regulating levels of pro-fibrotic genes including alpha-actin-2 (Acta2), collagen (Col) 1a1, and Col 1a2 in colitis tissue homogenates. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the newly isolated cocktail of probiotics elicits a potent protective effect on UC symptoms in mice model. Further study on these probiotics is required to fully explore their effectiveness, strength, and safety considerations. Copyright: © 2024 Advanced Biomedical Research.

SCOPE: The gut microbiota plays a role in fat accumulation and energy homeostasis. Therefore, probiotic supplementation may improve metabolic parameters and control body weight. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, mice are fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or an HFD supplemented with oral gavage of a mixture of three probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94, Lactobacillus plantarum HA-119, and Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks. It finds that probiotic supplementation modulates body weight gain, food energy efficiency, and fat accumulation caused by the HFD. This probiotic mix prevents liver damage and lipid metabolic disorders in HFD-fed obese mice. The probiotic supplementation significantly downregulates the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and upregulated catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) expression. Mice supplemented with the probiotic mix also show different microbiota compositions, with an increase in Clostridia_UCG-014 and Lachnospiraceae_nk4a136_group and a decrease in the Dubosiella genus compared with those in mice fed only an HFD. Finally, the amounts of fecal pentanoic acid and the three bile acid species increase in mice with probiotic supplementation. CONCLUSION: Treatment with a combination of a mixture of three probiotic strains, B. lactis Lafti B94, L. plantarum HA-119, and L. helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks, ameliorates the effects of HFD induced obesity in mice. © 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

The booming mushroom industry envisages economic merits, and massive unutilized waste production (∼ 20 %) creates an opportunity for valorization. Chitosan, a bioactive polysaccharide, has drawn immense attention for its invaluable therapeutic potential. Thus, the present study was conducted to extract chitosan from mushroom waste (MCH) for its prebiotic potential. The structural characterization of MCH was carried out using NMR, FTIR, and XRD. The CP/MAS-13CNMR spectrum of MCH appeared at δ 57.67 (C2), 61.19 (C6), 75.39 (C3/C5), 83.53 (C4), 105.13 (C1), 23.69 (CH3), and 174.19 (C = O) ppm. The FTIR showed characteristic peaks at 3361 cm-1, 1582 cm-1, and 1262 cm-1 attributed to -NH stretching, amide II, and amide III bands of MCH. XRD interpretation of MCH exhibited a single strong reflection at 2θ =20.19, which may correspond to the "form-II" polymorph. The extracted MCH (∼ 47 kDa) exhibited varying degrees of deacetylation from 79 to 84 %. The prebiotic activity score of 0.73 to 0.82 was observed for MCH (1 %) when supplemented with probiotic strains (Lactobacillus casei, L. helveticus, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus). MCH enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus strains and SCFA's levels, particularly in L. rhamnosus. The MCH also inhibited the growth of pathogenic strains (MIC of 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively) and enhanced the adhesion efficiency of probiotics (3 to 8 % at 1 % MCH supplementation). L. rhamnosus efficiency was higher against pathogens in the presence of MCH, as indicated by anti-adhesion assays. These findings suggested that extracted polysaccharides from mushroom waste can be used as a prebiotic for ameliorating intestinal dysbiosis.