Lactobacillus plantarum

INTRODUCTION: Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus and contributes to insulin resistance and disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota and their metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play a crucial role in modulating immune responses. Probiotics and synbiotics are increasingly explored for their potential to mitigate inflammation via microbiota-targeted mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers and microbial metabolites in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes through meta-analytical techniques. METHODS: A total of 46 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 3,580 diabetic patients were included following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to assess changes in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10) and SCFA levels (butyrate, propionate, acetate). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to identify effect modifiers such as intervention duration, formulation type (probiotic vs. synbiotic), and SCFA concentrations. RESULTS: Probiotic/synbiotic interventions led to significant reductions in CRP (SMD = -0.54), IL-6 (SMD = -0.41), and TNF-α (SMD = -0.48), along with an increase in IL-10 (SMD = +0.38). SCFA levels rose significantly, with butyrate showing the strongest effect (SMD = +0.46). Meta-regression revealed that butyrate levels, synbiotic use, and intervention duration ≥8 weeks were strong predictors of anti-inflammatory efficacy. Multi-strain and synbiotic interventions were more effective than single-strain or probiotic-only formulations. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings, and publication bias was minimal. DISCUSSION: These findings support the adjunctive use of targeted, SCFA-oriented probiotic formulations (e.g., Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum with inulin/FOS, ≥10^9-10^10 CFU/day) to mitigate metabolic inflammation alongside standard care. Strain- and dose-standardized RCTs should confirm impacts on glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes.

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.

Gut-brain axis has emerged as a promising strategy for managing depression. Probiotic supplements, which modulate the gut microbiome, are suggested to enhance gut-brain communication and improve depressive symptoms and cognitive function. However, the acceptance of probiotics in managing depression remains contentious. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on depression through meta-analysis and to assess their mechanisms of action, focusing on changes in gut microbial composition and neural mechanisms. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, up to January 1, 2024, were included. Nine studies consistently demonstrated improvements in depressive symptoms, gut microbiota, inflammatory markers, cognitive function, and mood regulation. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms with probiotics compared to placebo, with a mean difference of - 1.94 (95% CI = -3.56 to - 0.32, p = 0.02, I2 = 69%). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), which showed substantial improvement, with a mean difference of - 3.27 (95% CI = -6.42 to - 0.12, p = 0.04, I2 = 82%), is a preferred tool for further studies due to its comprehensive symptom coverage and strong psychometric properties. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus plantarum subspecies JYLP-326 and Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 were particularly effective, while multi-strain probiotics generally showed more consistent effects than single-strain interventions. Probiotics show promising potential in alleviating depression through their anti-inflammatory effects, gut microbiota modulation, cognitive function enhancement, and possible influence on brain structure and neurotransmitter systems. Despite some variability in trial results, this review provides updated insights for medical practitioners, highlighting probiotics as a viable treatment option for depression.

Recent research has underscored the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) in managing obesity among healthy adults. This meta-analysis reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from major databases up to May 2024, focusing on the effects of L. plantarum on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic parameters. This study has been registered in PROSPERO (number: CRD 42024531611). The analysis of nine studies revealed significant weight reduction and BMI decreases with L. plantarum supplementation compared to a placebo. Notably, using more than two strains together enhanced these effects. Improvements were also observed in abdominal fat and inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from nine RCTs to test the hypothesis that L. plantarum supplementation effectively reduces body weight and BMI in healthy adults compared to a placebo. However, variations in study designs, probiotic strains, and intervention durations call for more robust trials to confirm these benefits.

Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it remains unclear whether such benefits extend to humans. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to clarify the effect of L. plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM and prediabetes. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled mean difference with 95% CI (confidence interval). L. plantarum supplementation reduced the levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.41, 95%CI -0.63, -0.19 mg/dL; n = 5) and hemoglobin A1c (-0.2, 95%CI: -0.3, 0%; n = 4). A non-statistically significant tendency towards improvements in the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (MD: -0.74, 95%CI: -1.72, 0.25; n = 3), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-6.87; 95%CI: -15.03, 1.29 mg/dL; n = 3), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 1.34; 95%CI: -0.78, 3.46 mg/dL; n = 3), triglyceride (MD: -3.90; 95%CI: -11.05, 3.24 mg/dL; n = 3), and total cholesterol (MD: -4.88; 95%CI: -11.84, 2.07 mg/dL; n = 3) was observed with the supplementation. In summary, while the evidence from the currently available RCTs provides a crude indication that L. plantarum supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM and prediabetes, the benefits of the supplementation are likely subtle, and its clinical significance requires further investigation.

Erratum in Gastroenterology. 2024 Nov;167(6):1248. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.08.017. Comment in Gastroenterology. 2024 Mar;166(3):545-546. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.11.019. BACKGROUND & AIMS: Some probiotics may be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but differences in species and strains used, as well as endpoints reported, have hampered attempts to make specific recommendations as to which should be preferred. We updated our previous meta-analysis examining this issue. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (up to March 2023). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting adults with IBS, comparing probiotics with placebo were eligible. Dichotomous symptom data were pooled to obtain a relative risk of global symptoms, abdominal pain, or abdominal bloating or distension persisting after therapy, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous data were pooled using a standardized mean difference with a 95% CI. Adverse events data were also pooled. RESULTS: We identified 82 eligible trials, containing 10,332 patients. Only 24 RCTs were at low risk of bias across all domains. For global symptoms, there was moderate certainty in the evidence for a benefit of Escherichia strains, low certainty for Lactobacillus strains and Lactobacillus plantarum 299V, and very low certainty for combination probiotics, LacClean Gold S, Duolac 7s, and Bacillus strains. For abdominal pain, there was low certainty in the evidence for a benefit of Saccharomyces cerevisae I-3856 and Bifidobacterium strains, and very low certainty for combination probiotics, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Bacillus strains. For abdominal bloating or distension there was very low certainty in the evidence for a benefit of combination probiotics and Bacillus strains. The relative risk of experiencing any adverse event, in 55 trials, including more than 7000 patients, was not significantly higher with probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Some combinations of probiotics or strains may be beneficial in IBS. However, certainty in the evidence for efficacy by GRADE criteria was low to very low across almost all of our analyses.

Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum strains, belong to lactic acid bacteria group, are considered indispensable probiotics. Here, we performed meta-analysis to evaluate the regulatory effects of L. plantarum on the immunity during clinical trials. This meta-analysis was conducted by searching across four most common literature databases, namely, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed. Clinical trial articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed by Review Manager (version 5.3). p-value < 0.05 of the total effect was considered statistically significant. Finally, total of 677 references were retrieved, among which six references and 18 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The mean differences observed at 95% confidence interval: interleukin (IL)-4, -0.48 pg/mL (-0.79 to -0.17; p < 0.05); IL-10, 9.88 pg/mL (6.52 to 13.2; p < 0.05); tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, -2.34 pg/mL (-3.5 to -1.19; p < 0.05); interferon (IFN)-γ, -0.99 pg/mL (-1.56 to -0.41; p < 0.05). Therefore, meta-analysis results suggested that L. plantarum could promote host immunity by regulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects if probiotics can inhibit oral carcinogenesis. DESIGN: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PLOS databases were searched up to February 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment of articles. This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA-P) 2015 protocol guidelines. RESULT: The initial search retrieved 774 articles. Of these, only five articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two out of the five papers were further analysed for quantitative synthesis in meta-analysis. The majority of the included studies were found to be of "moderate quality". The qualitative synthesis found four probiotics that exhibited potential therapeutic effects in oral carcinogenesis, includingAcetobacter syzygii, AJ2, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus salivarius REN. Among them, the application of L. salivarius REN resulted in a 95 % lower risk for developing oral cancer (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is known that probiotics have the potential to inhibit oral carcinogenesis, thus supporting the hypothesis of the study. The ability of L. salivarius REN to inhibit the development of oral cancer suggested that this bacterium can be a potential inhibitory agent against oral carcinogenesis.

Previous studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 % CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 %). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 %). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Strategies to prevent iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have varying effectiveness. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of probiotics on iron absorption and iron status-related markers in humans. METHODS: We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from Embase, Pubmed, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to February, 2019. We conducted a meta-analysis for eight studies examining the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) on iron absorption. RESULTS: Fifteen studies reported in 12 articles were identified (N = 950). Our meta-analysis of eight studies using a random-effects model demonstrated a significant increase in iron absorption following administration of the probiotic Lp299v with a pooled standardized mean difference (an average intervention effect size) of 0.55 (95% CI 0.22-0.88, p = 0.001). Of the seven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized clinical trials examining a range of probiotic species on iron status, only one study supplementing with Lp299v showed improvement in serum iron; no other studies reported improvement in iron status-related indices with probiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lp299v significantly improved iron absorption in humans. Future research should include the assessment of Lp299v effect on iron absorption and iron status in populations at high risk of IDA, including pregnant women.

Respiratory symptoms like prolonged cough and breathlessness have increased post-COVID-19, even in those with normal chest X-rays and FEV1/FVC ratios. This study assessed the benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum GCWB1001 on such symptoms in individuals without asthma or COPD. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 126 participants aged 19-70 were included. Exclusions were for asthma, COPD, abnormal chest X-rays, or recent antibiotic use. The primary outcome was the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS), with secondary outcomes including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for respiratory function. The total BCSS score at 12 weeks did not differ significantly between the GCWB1001 and placebo groups. Secondary endpoints such as sputum and breathlessness showed numerical improvements, particularly in males and participants over 40, but these findings were not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No serious adverse events were reported, indicating safety. Although this study did not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit, the exploratory trends suggest that additional, larger-scale trials may be needed to determine if these observations reflect a meaningful effect. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Overweight and obesity, usually resulting from excess calorie intake, pose significant health challenges in modern societies and contribute to the development of chronic metabolic disorders. Gut microbes have been recognized as key regulators of energy utilization and gastrointestinal health. In this study, we investigated the effects of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum strain GKM3 on overweight and obese subjects in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Participants, aged 20-40 with body mass index between 25.0 and 29.9 and body fat percentages over 25 % for males and 30 % for females, were divided into a placebo group (n = 19) and a probioitcs group (n = 40), receiving capsules containing either a placebo or the probiotics GKM3 for four weeks. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that supplementation with strain GKM3 at 1 g per day over the 4-week period significantly increased bowel movement frequency and alleviated symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Fecal lipid analysis revealed elevated levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol compared to the placebo group. Microbiota analysis showed a significant reduction in obesity-associated taxa (Alcaligenaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Acidaminococcus, Fusobacterium, and Megamonas) and an increase in beneficial genera (Akkermansia and Lactobacillus) following probiotic intervention. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the strain GKM3 modulates gut flora, leading to reduced fat absorption and improved gastrointestinal functions in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for body fat reduction in obese individuals. METHODS: A total of 106 participants with a body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to either the experimental group treating with Lactobacillus plantarum LMT1-48 or the placebo group in the placebo-controlled clinical trial. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Fecal samples between the groups were contrasted via DNA sequencing for evaluation of the microbiota and its diversity. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of follow-up period, the body fat mass decreased significantly, from 30.0 ± 4.4 to 28.3 ± 4.1 kg in the experimental group (p = 0.009). The percentage of body fat in the two groups showed a similar trend (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: LMT1-48 also positively influenced the microbial taxa linked to obesity analyzed by gut microbiome sequencing. LMT1-48 is a safe and collaborative agent to reduce obesity.

OBJECTIVES: This study was based on the research question: "Does L. brevis CD2 have an effect on the acidogenicity of sugar-exposed bacteria? To solve this question, a multistep study was planned: first, an in vitro investigation aimed to assess the acid production of monoculture bacterial solutions; and second, an ex vivo experiment to evaluate the production or inhibition of acids from plaque samples. METHODS: L. brevis CD2 and several control strains (Lactobacillus brevis CD2, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB21, Lactobacillus plantarum 931, Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt) were tested with various sugars; pH changes were recorded at specific time points using a micro-pH electrode. Additionally, for the ex vivo phase, the same sugars were added to equal amounts of pooled plaque from 9 healthy subjects with bacterial suspensions, as well as a control solution, and pH was monitored for up to 90 minutes. For the ex vivo phase, 9 adults were randomised in a crossover design for 28 days. For the in vivo phase, 26 healthy subjects used 1/2 lozenges 3 times daily containing either L. brevis CD2 (active) or no probiotic bacteria (placebo). Plaque acidogenicity was assessed using the microtouch method after a 10 ml mouth rinse containing 10% sucrose for 1 minute (on day 0 and day 28). RESULTS: L. brevis CD2 exhibited the highest ability to inhibit the fermentation of fructose, lactose, and sucrose compared to the control strains (P < .05). A significant reduction in plaque acidogenicity was observed in vivo from day 0 to day 28 in the test group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that L. brevis CD2 mitgates the acidogenic attributes of plaque biofilm organisma in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, suggesting its potential benefit as a caries preventive probiotic agent.

Objective: this trial aimed to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on weight loss and lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic obese patients. Methods: ın this pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, hypercholesterolemic obese patients (BMI = 30.0-35.0 kg/m2) were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either probiotic capsules (n = 12) or a matching placebo (n = 12) groups. The patients in the probiotic group took capsules 2 times a day that contained Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophiles, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum (1.5 × 109 CFU/g) for 8 weeks. All patients adhered to a medical nutrition therapy that aimed for a weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per week. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were taken at baseline and were monitored every week throughout the study. Blood lipids were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Results: after the 8-week dietary intervention, both probiotic and placebo groups showed significant decreased in total cholesterol (-36.50 ± 19.27 vs -25.91 ± 19.25, mg/dl), LDL-C (-(31.75 ± 18.11 vs -31.91 ± 31.00 mg/dl) and TG (-31.83 ± 67.37 vs -28.25 ± 59.09), respectively (p < 0.05). Body weight, BMI, body fat ratio, and waist circumference also significantly decreased after the dietary intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). Overall, no significant difference was found neither in the reductions of total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG concentrations nor the anthropometric indices between the probiotic and placebo groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: the results of our study demonstrated that the administration of probiotic supplements for 8 weeks in obese subjects with hypercholesterolemia had favorable effects on lipid profiles, although there was no beneficial effect compared to the control group. These results indicate that anthropometric indices significantly decreased in response to adherence to the low-calorie diet recommended by dietitians in both the groups. However, conducting more trails with large sample size and longer follow-up time is necessary. Publisher: Objetivo: este ensayo tuvo como objetivo d

BACKGROUND: Studies have proposed that probiotic intake may ameliorate some of the clinical components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to determine the effects of a new developed synbiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Chloromyces marcosianos yeast on the components of MetS in adults with MetS. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, 44 participants were divided into two groups to receive 300 grams of synbiotic yogurt or regular yogurt daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Daily consumption of synbiotic yogurt containing L. plantarum, L. pentosus, and C. marcosianos yeast in adults with MetS caused a significant decrease in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p = 0.005), fasting insulin (p = 0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p < 0.001), waist to hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.02) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008) in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, daily consumption of the synbiotic yogurt was associated with improvements in insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure and WHR, which could be beneficial in patients with MetS. © 2024. The Author(s).

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by intestinal microbiota. It is well recognized as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular and renal diseases and mortality. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

This study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal tolerability, treatment persistence and iron status markers in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) who received oral iron replacement therapy (IRT) with v. without concomitant Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (L. plantarum 299v) probiotic supplementation. A total of 295 patents with newly diagnosed IDA were randomly assigned to receive either IRT alone (n 157, IRT-only group) or IRT plus L. plantarum 299v (n 138, IRT-Pro group) in this prospective randomised non-placebo-controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06521879). Gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms (at baseline, within the first 30 d of IRT and at any time during 3-month IRT), serum Hb levels (at baseline and 3rd month of IRT) and iron status markers (at baseline and 3rd month of IRT) were recorded. IRT-Pro group, when compared with IRT-only group, experienced significantly lower rates of gastrointestinal intolerance over the course of IRT (13·0 % v. 46·5 %, P < 0·001) and treatment discontinuation within the first 30 d (3·6 % v. 15·9 %, P < 0·001). At 3rd month of therapy, IRT-Pro v. IRT-only group had significantly higher serum levels for iron (76·0 (51·0-96·0) v. 60·0(43·0-70·0) µg/dl, P < 0·001) and transferrin saturation (20·1 (12·5-28·5) v. 14·5 (10·5-19·0) %, P < 0·001) and higher change from baseline Hb (0·9 (0·3-1·3) v. 0·4 (-0·1-1·1) g/dl, P < 0·001) levels. Use of L. plantarum 299v probiotic supplementation during the first 30 d of IRT in IDA patients significantly reduces the gastrointestinal burden of IRT (particularly abdominal pain and bloating), the likelihood of intolerance development (by ∼3 times) and treatment discontinuation (by∼5 times), as accompanied by improved serum Hb levels and serum iron markers.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that probiotics are effective in treating allergic rhinitis (AR), while some controversies remain. This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of a mixture of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus plantarum (NVP-1703) in children with AR. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, children aged 6 to 19 years with perennial AR were treated with NVP-1703 at a dose of 1 × 1010 CFU/day or placebo once a day for 4 weeks. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS), nasal symptom duration score (NSDS), quality of life (QoL), allergic inflammatory markers, and safety parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, the TNSS in the NVP-1703 group significantly decreased compared to that in the placebo group (P = 0.011), both in the morning and the evening (P = 0.031 and P = 0.004, respectively). The NSDS also significantly decreased in the NVP-1703 group compared to that in the placebo group (P = 0.018). QoL scores, particularly those related to mouth breathing and itchy nose, showed a significant improvement in the NVP-1703 group compared to the placebo group. The ratios of interleukin (IL)-4/IL-22 and IL-5/IL-22 were significantly reduced in the NVP-1703 group after the treatment compared to the baseline values. No notable adverse events were reported in the NVP-1703 group. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of a mixture of B. longum and L. plantarum (NVP-1703) improved both AR symptoms and QoL in children with perennial AR, accompanied by decreases in the ratios of T helper 2 cytokines to IL-22. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0002661. © 2024 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the multifactorial nature of major depressive disorder (MDD) is crucial for tailoring treatments. However, the complex interplay of various factors underlying the development and progression of MDD poses significant challenges. Our previous study demonstrated improvements in cognitive functions in MDD patients undergoing treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v). METHODS: To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying cognitive functions improvements, we explored underlying metabolic changes. We employed multi-platform metabolomics, including LC-QTOF-MS and CE-TOF-MS profiling, alongside chiral LC-QqQ-MS analysis for amino acids. RESULTS: Supplementation of SSRI treatment with LP299v intensified the reduction of long-chain acylcarnitines, potentially indicating improved mitochondrial function. LP299v supplementation reduced N-acyl taurines more than four times compared to the placebo, suggesting a substantial impact on restoring biochemical balance. The LP299v-supplemented group showed increased levels of oxidized glycerophosphocholine (oxPC). Additionally, LP299v supplementation led to higher levels of sphingomyelins, L-histidine, D-valine, and p-cresol. LIMITATIONS: This exploratory study suggests potential metabolic pathways influenced by LP299v supplementation. However, the need for further research hinders the ability to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Observed metabolic changes were linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota disruption. Despite the subtle nature of this alterations, our research successfully detected these differences and connected them to the metabolic disruptions associated with MDD. Our findings emphasise the intricate relationship between metabolism, gut microbiota, and mental health prompting further research into the mechanisms of action of probiotics in MDD treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and compromised gut barrier integrity, remains a significant challenge in clinical management. This study explored the synergistic potential of Sargassum horneri polysaccharides (SHCPs) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) in alleviating DSS-induced colitis. SHCPs were characterized using FTIR and SEM in this study, and their structural features-including high sulfate content, molecular weight distribution, and glycosidic linkages-were previously elucidated in our earlier work, supporting their classification as bioactive sulfate-rich polysaccharides and suggesting structure-dependent functionality. In vitro experiments using Caco-2 cell models showed that SHCPs promoted LAB adhesion and, in combination, significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and PGE2), thereby mitigating DSS-induced inflammation. This effect correlated with improved microbiota-host interactions and was linked to restoration of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin), suppression of Claudin-2, and downregulation of iNOS and COX-2. In IBD-induced zebrafish models, the synergistic effects of SHCPs and LAB were further validated, as evidenced by enhanced gut barrier integrity, alleviation of dysbiosis, and restoration of intestinal length. These findings highlight the potential synergistic effects of SHCPs and LAB as a combinatorial strategy to regulate gut inflammation and enhancing epithelial barrier function, potentially offering new insights and therapeutic opportunities for IBD intervention.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common gynecological condition primarily caused by Candida albicans. The excessive use of antifungal drugs has led to increased drug resistance, necessitating the search for alternative therapies. This study investigates the synergistic antifungal effects of cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) and probiotics against C. albicans. PACs were prepared at different concentrations (low, medium, high) and tested alone and in combination with multi-strain probiotics, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum. The antifungal activity of their cell-free supernatants (CFS) was also assessed. The results demonstrated that the combination of L. plantarum and medium-concentration PACs (L.p. + PACs M) significantly enhathe inhibitionition of C. albicans compared to individual treatments. In the Vaginal Microbiota Communities Analysis, this condition reduced C. albicans relative abundance to below 0.01%. This study highlights the potential of natural compounds and probiotics as alternative therapeutic strategies for VVC.

Thiamine dilauryl sulphate (TDS) exerts a bacteriostatic effect against Gram-positive bacteria and is used as a food additive. The heartwood extract of the Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), a medicinal tree native to India, shows weak antimicrobial effects against bacteria and superficial dermatophyte-infective fungi. Herein, we report that the combination of TDS and P. marsupium extract exerts an additive or synergistic antimicrobial effect against various food spoilage microorganisms. Among the 13 species tested, this combination showed synergistic antimicrobial effects against Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Candida albicans in an agar dilution method. We also found that the combination promoted the production of reactive oxygen species against a model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a fluorescnt 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Furthermore, the combination restricted drug efflux from yeast cells via efflux pumps in an efflux assay using a fluorescent rhodamine 6 G. These results suggest that the antifungal effect of TDS is improved in combination with P. marsupium extract via oxidative stress induction and drug efflux restriction. The combination of TDS and P. marsupium extract has a low environmental impact and toxicity when used in foods; therefore, it is also expected to be used in food and industrial products in the future. © The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.

Lactobacillus plantarum C29 and DW2009 (C29-fermented soybean) alleviate cognitive impairment through the modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, we examined whether combining donepezil, a well-known acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, with C29 or DW2009 could synergistically alleviate cognitive impairment in mice. Oral administration of donepezil combined with or without C29 (DC) or DW2009 (DD) alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment-like behaviors more strongly than treatment with each one alone. Their treatments significantly suppressed the NF-κB+/Iba1+ (activated microglia) population, NF-κB activation, and tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β expression in the hippocampus, while the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)+/NeuN+ cell population and BDNF expression increased. Their treatments strongly suppressed LPS-induced colitis. Moreover, they increased the Firmicutes population and decreased the Cyanobacteria population in gut microbiota. Of these, DD most strongly alleviated cognitive impairment, followed by DC. In conclusion, DW2009 may synergistically or additively increase the effect of donepezil against cognitive impairment and colitis by regulating NF-κB-mediated BDNF expression.

Capsaicin (CAP) is the main pungent component in capsicum fruits. Eating too much CAP leads to gastrointestinal injury. Previously, Qingke β-glucan combined with β-glucan-utilizing Lactobacillus plantarum S58 (LP.S58) ameliorated high fat-diet-induced obesity, but their effects on CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury have not been investigated. Our results showed that Qingke β-glucan reduced the CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury in Kunming mice. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and gastrointestinal hormones, and the localized inflammation and the expression of EGF, EGFR, VEGF, and ZO-1 in the gastrointestinal tissues in CAP-treated mice were partly restored by Qingke β-glucan. The CAP-induced increase in the abundances of proinflammatory intestinal bacteria was also reduced by Qingke β-glucan. More importantly, we found that these beneficial effects of Qingke β-glucan were markedly enhanced by β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 supplementation. Our study indicated that Qingke β-glucan coupled with β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 relieved CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury.

Previously, we showed the preventive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 (ZS2058) on Salmonella infection in murine models. In this work, we found that eugenol has a selective antibacterial effect, which inhibited Salmonella more than probiotics ZS2058 in vitro. It suggested a synergistic effect of them beyond their individual anti-Salmonella activity. We verified the conjecture in murine models. The results showed that the combination of ZS2058 and eugenol (CLPZE) significantly increased (p = 0.026) the survival rate of Salmonella-infected mice from 60% to 80% and the effect of CLPZE on preventing Salmonella-infection was 2-fold that of ZS2058 alone and 6-fold that of eugenol alone. CLPZE had a synergistic effect on inhibiting ST growth (the coefficient drug interaction ((CDI) = 0.829), reducing its invasiveness (CDI = 0.373) and downregulating virulence genes' expression in vitro. CLPZE helped the host form a healthier gut ecosystem. CLPZE also elicited a stronger and earlier immune response to systemic infection. In conclusion, these obtained results suggest that ZS2058 and eugenol have a synergistic effect on preventing Salmonella infection and open new perspectives in the strategies of controlling the prevalence of Salmonella by combination of probiotics and functional food components.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to isolate Lactobacillus from gastrointestinal tract of healthy postweaning piglets and investigate its synergistic antimicrobial and probiotic effects with ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO). METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the 128 isolates, Lactobacillus plantarum BLPL03 was selected based on its excellent acid and bile salt tolerance properties. Lactobacillus plantarum BLPL03 was sensitive to β-lactams, macrolides, amphenicols and cephalosporins, whereas it displayed the steady resistance to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, quinolones and peptide antibiotics. In vitro analysis of antibacterial activities showed that L. plantarum BLPL03 inhibited the four common food-borne pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7 CMCC 44828, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311, Staphylococcus aureus CMCC 26003 and Listeria monocytogenes CMCC 54007 in synergy with nZnO. Furthermore, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction test demonstrated that the combined administration of L. plantarum BLPL03 fermentation liquor (LFL) and nZnO synergistically elevated the faecal number of Bifidobacterium by 73·19-fold, and reduced the two potential enteropathogenic bacteria Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium perfringens in mice challenged with Salm. Typhimurium. Finally, dietary supplementation with low dose of nZnO (20 mg kg-1 ) when combined with LFL administration enhanced final body weight, fur appearance and average daily gain, and decreased feed conversion ratio and diarrhoea incidence in weaned piglets. The faecal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus of piglets were dramatically enhanced by 81·96- and 3·15-fold, respectively, after administration of a mixture of nZnO and LFL. Meanwhile, combination of nZnO with LFL resulted in low levels of Bacteroides, Enterococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of nZnO and LFL exhibits potential health-benefit properties for the control of gut microbial composition by their synergistic antimicrobial and probiotic effects. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study may provide a potential nutritional strategy to improve performance and gut health of animals with gut microbiota disorders caused by

Disturbances in the gut microbiota composition are associated with chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine and the liver. In a preliminary study, Lactobacillus plantarum LC27 and Bifidobacterium longum LC67 could inhibit Escherichia coli growth and lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation linked to gut inflammation. Here, we investigated their effects on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis and liver damage in mice. First, oral administration of LC27 or LC67 (1 × 109 CFU/mouse) inhibited TNBS-induced colon shortening [F(5,30) = 100.66, P < 0.05] and myeloperoxidase activity [F(5,30) = 56.48, P < 0.05]. These probiotics restored TNBS-induced disturbance of gut microbiota, leading to the suppression of Proteobacteria to Bacteroidetes ratio and fecal and blood lipopolysaccharide levels. Second, LC27 and LC67 inhibited TNBS-induced NF-κB activation, reversed TNBS-suppressed tight junction protein expression, and restored Th17/Treg balance. Also, treatment with LC27 or LC67 significantly decreased TNBS-induced alanine transaminase [ALT, F(5,30) = 3.50, P < 0.05] and aspartate transaminase [AST, F(5,30) = 12.81, P < 0.05] levels in the blood, as well as t-butylhydroperoxide-induced ALT and AST levels. Finally, the mixture of LC27 and LC67 (0.5 × 109 CFU/mouse, respectively) synergistically attenuated TNBS- or t-butylhydroperoxide-induced colitis and liver damage. The capability of LC27 and LC67 to reverse TNBS-mediated microbiota shift and damage signals suggests that these probiotics may synergistically attenuate colitis and liver injury by alleviating gut microbiota imbalance.

The gut microbiota is a vast community of synergistic bacterial species providing health benefits to the host. Imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) due to diet, antibiotic use, age and stress contribute to disease development including diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammaging and neurodegeneration. Fortunately, a probiotic regime with a diet rich in prebiotics may reverse dysbiosis promoting health and wellness in age. The current study designs, optimizes and tests a novel probiotic and synbiotic formulation consisting of three metabolically active probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum and Bifidobacteria infantis together with a novel polyphenol-rich prebiotic, Triphala. The prebiotic action of Triphala was characterized using in vitro batch cultures, Drosophila melanogaster and a simulated model of the human gastrointestinal tract (SHIME) where in each model, Triphala supported growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic species. Neither Triphala at 0.5% w/v nor the individual probiotics at 5.0 × 108 to 7.5 × 109 CFU/ml demonstrated toxicity in Drosophila. Interestingly, motility was combinatorially enhanced by the probiotic and synbiotic formulations reflecting the beneficial variations in the gut microbiota. Altogether, the present study shows that probiotics and synbiotics in combination are more effective at modulating the gut microbiota and eliciting biological effects than their components.

Antibiotic resistance and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a polymicrobial infection, justify the need for novel antimicrobials to counteract microbial resistance to conventional antibiotics. Previously, two series of cationic amphiphiles (CAms) which self-assemble into supramolecular nanostructures with membrane-lytic properties were designed with hydrophilic head groups and nonpolar domains. The combination of CAms and commonly prescribed antibiotics is suggested as a promising strategy for targeting microorganisms that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. Activities of the CAms against Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC 14018, a representative BV pathogen, ranged from 1.1 to 24.4 μM. Interestingly, the tested healthy Lactobacillus species, especially Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 39268, were significantly more tolerant of CAms than the selected pathogens. In addition, CAms prevented biofilm formation at concentrations which did not influence the normal growth ability of G. vaginalis ATCC 14018. Furthermore, the biofilm minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC-Bs) of CAms against G. vaginalis ATCC 14018 ranged from 58.8 to 425.6 μM, while much higher concentrations (≥850 μM) were required to produce ≥3-log reductions in the number of biofilm-associated lactobacilli. The conventional antibiotic metronidazole synergized strongly with all tested CAms against planktonic cells and biofilms of G. vaginalis ATCC 14018. The synergism between CAms and the tested conventional antibiotic may be considered a new, effective, and beneficial method of controlling biofilm-associated bacterial vaginosis.