Search Results (5,945)

For years, the Bacillus genus has encompassed a heterogeneous group of individuals whose main common trait was their ability to sporulate in the presence of oxygen. This criterion has been revised, resulting in the reclassification of several species into new genera and to a redefinition of the characteristics of the members of this taxon. Currently, the species of the genus are grouped into the Subtilis clade and the Cereus clade. The former, called Bacillus sensu stricto, initially composed of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. amyloliquefaciens, has subsequently incorporated new species related to these. The Cereus clade, Bacillus cereus sensu lato, consists of pathogenic species (B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis) as well as others of significance in agriculture and industry. Furthermore, identifying these individuals remains complex, requiring alternatives to 16S rRNA sequencing. The ability to form spores resistant to stressful conditions provides a significant advantage over other genera, with observable differences in sporulation rates and spore structure among different species. Additionally, Bacillus spp. are known for their capacity to produce antimicrobial substances, lytic enzymes, and volatile organic compounds, each with diverse applications. Some species are even used as probiotics. This review delves into aspects related to the taxonomy and identification of microorganisms belonging to the genus Bacillus, which often present challenges. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. In addition, it highlights the characteristics and applications of the genus, emphasizing its importance in biotechnology and microbiology. Full article

This study aimed to isolate and screen canine-derived probiotics with excellent probiotic properties. Strain characterization was conducted using a combination of in vitro and in vivo probiotic characterization and safety assessments, as well as complete genome analysis. The results showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri LRA7 exhibited excellent bacteriostatic and antioxidant activities. The survival rate at pH 2.5 was 79.98%, and the viable counts after exposure to gastrointestinal fluid and 0.5% bile salts were 7.77 log CFU/mL and 5.29 log CFU/mL, respectively. The bacterium also exhibited high hydrophobicity, self-coagulation, and high temperature tolerance, was negative for hemolysis, and was sensitive to clindamycin. In vivo studies in mice showed that the serum superoxide dismutase activity level was 53.69 U/mL higher in the MR group of mice compared to that of the control group, the malondialdehyde content was 0.53 nmol/mL lower in the HR group, and the highest jejunal V/C value was 4.11 ± 1.05 in the HR group (p < 0.05). The L. reuteri LRA7 gene is 2.021 megabases in size, contains one chromosome and one plasmid, and is annotated with 1978 functional genes. In conclusion, L. reuteri LRA7 has good probiotic potential and is safe. It can be used as an ideal probiotic candidate strain of canine origin. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) is a probiotic strain widely studied for its potential to improve human health. Previous studies have demonstrated promising results for HN001 in the improvement of mental well-being, particularly in terms of increased happiness and support for stress management in healthy adults. Methods: To further explore these findings, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants aged ≥ 18 years with mild to high stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The participants were randomly assigned to receive either HN001 or placebo for 28 days. Psychological assessments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were completed at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Secondary outcomes included changes in PSS scores, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and total score levels measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. Results: While not statistically significant, participants who received HN001 showed an improvement in OHQ (mean change, 13.3) and PSS total scores (mean change, −8.1) over time compared with the placebo group (mean change, 10.2 and −6.6, respectively). Furthermore, 39% of the participants moved from not happy to happy, compared with only 29% in the placebo group. Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between intervention and study day for OHQ and PSS total scores, with p-values of 0.014 and 0.043, respectively. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: HN001 showed improvements in both happiness and PSS scores. Furthermore, sex subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in both outcomes, emphasizing the need for larger and longer intervention studies. Full article

Previous studies have indicated a critical role of intestinal bacteria in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). B. salyersiae is a commensal species from the human gut microbiota. However, what effect it has on UC development has not been investigated. In the present study, we explored this issue and demonstrated for the first time that oral administration of B. salyersiae CSP6, a bacterium previously isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy individual, protected against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. In particular, B. salyersiae CSP6 improved mucosal damage and attenuated gut dysbiosis in the colon of DSS-fed mice. Specifically, B. salyersiae CSP6 decreased the population of pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella spp. and increased the abundance of probiotic Dubosiella spp. and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. Additionally, by reshaping the colonic microbiota, B. salyersiae CSP6 remarkably increased the fecal concentrations of equol, 8-deoxylactucin, and tiglic acid, three beneficial metabolites that have been well documented to exert strong anti-inflammatory effects. Altogether, our study provides novel evidence that B. salyersiae is a candidate probiotic species with potential anti-colitis properties in the human colon, which has applications for the development of next-generation probiotics. Full article

Probiotics have shown potential in managing hypercholesterolemia and related metabolic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of Lactocaseibacillus (Lactobacillus) paracasei sup. paracasei TISTR 2593 on the gut microbiome and metabolic health in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and was registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR 20220917002). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 22 hypercholesterolemic participants received either the probiotic or a placebo daily for 90 days. Fecal samples collected before and after the intervention revealed significant microbiome changes, including a decrease in Subdoligranulum, linked to rheumatoid arthritis, and an increase in Flavonifractor, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the probiotic group exhibited a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. These findings suggest that L. paracasei TISTR 2593 can modulate the gut microbiome and improve metabolic health, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and long-term benefits. Full article

The development of functional foods is a viable alternative for the prevention of numerous diseases. However, the food industry faces significant challenges in producing functional foods based on probiotics due to their high sensitivity to various processing and gastrointestinal tract conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the operational conditions during the extrusion encapsulation process using vibrating technology on the viability of Lactobacillus fermentum K73, a lactic acid bacterium with hypocholesterolemia probiotic potential. An optimal experimental design approach was employed to produce sweet whey–sodium alginate (SW-SA) beads with high bacterial content and good morphological characteristics. In this study, the effects of frequency, voltage, and pumping rate were optimized for a 300 μm nozzle. The microspheres were characterized using RAMAN spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The optimal conditions for bead production were found: 70 Hz, 250 V, and 20 mL/min with a final cell count of 8.43 Log₁₀ (CFU/mL). The mean particle diameter was 620 ± 5.3 µm, and the experimental encapsulation yield was 94.3 ± 0.8%. The INFOGEST model was used to evaluate the survival of probiotic beads under gastrointestinal tract conditions. Upon exposure to in vitro conditions of oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, the encapsulated viability of L. fermentum was 7.6 Log₁₀ (CFU/mL) using the optimal encapsulation parameters, which significantly improved the survival of probiotic bacteria during both the encapsulation process and under gastrointestinal conditions compared to free cells. Full article

When municipal solid waste (MSW) is placed in a landfill, it undergoes anaerobic decomposition, leading to the production of landfill gas, which primarily consists of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Reducing methane emissions is essential in the fight against climate change. It must be implemented at global and European levels, as set out in 2030 in the impact assessment of the climate goal plan. This assessment states that to achieve the goal by 2030 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%, the methane emissions must be reduced, considering the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Glasgow Climate Pact includes a global mitigation target of the year 2030: to reduce CO₂ emissions by 45%, and the emissions of methane and other greenhouse gasses. For that purpose, looking for new, more advanced ways of managing such waste is necessary. The main objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the influence of aeration, probiotic introduction, and water supply on the production of landfill gasses (CO₂, CH₄, N₂, H₂, etc.) in five different landfill models during the management of MSW and to propose the best solutions for reducing environmental pollution. The results of the research showed that the first and second models of landfills, using only anaerobic conditions, can be used for the treatment of MSW for the production of biogas (CH₄, CO₂), as up to 40–60% of it was released during the 120-experiment period. The third landfill model can be applied in old, already closed landfills, where the rapid stabilization and aeration of MSW are required to minimize pollutant emissions (N₂, etc.) and unwanted odors and shorten biodegradation processes. The results of the fourth and fifth landfill models, in which aerobic–anaerobic conditions were applied, showed that the developing nitrification–denitrification processes resulted in complete nitrogen removal (from 20% to 0%), and overall waste stabilization improved the biodegradation of the MSW. Later, relatively good (on average, 30%) results of biogas (CH₄, CO₂) emissions are achieved during anaerobic condition formation results. Summarizing all experiment results of all landfill models for the further evaluation of the processes, all models can be applied in real practice depending on where they will be used and what result they want to achieve. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phenylethanol glycoside from Cistanche tubulosa (CPhGs) on the prevention of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Investigation of the mechanisms of the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect was focused on CPhGs’ influence on the “gut–liver” regulation, including the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration, and LPS-related signaling pathway. The results show that CPhGs restored the diversity of gut microbiota, increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, and decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the fibrotic rats. In addition, CPhGs promoted the enrichment of probiotics such as Blautia, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Odoribacter, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides in intestines of these rats. Furthermore, CPhGs reduced histopathological injury in the intestine and restored the tight junctions of the intestine by increasing the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and E-cadherin. CPhGs efficiently reduced serum LPS and liver lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels and inhibited the LPS-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, which is related to protein expression in the liver. Correlation analysis confirmed that these beneficial bacteria were negatively associated with pathological damage, while LPS and harmful bacteria were positively associated with liver injury. Our fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment confirmed that gut microbiota is an important part of disease progression and that CPhGs is useful for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Our data demonstrate that the anti-hepatic fibrosis mechanism of CPhGs was mediated by regulation of the “gut–liver” axis. These results can stimulate consideration for its use in clinical practices. Full article

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) represents a frequent and cumbersome vaginal infection. Recurrent and/or persistent infections remain common among a significant number of patients despite the use of antifungals. Probiotics offer a promising adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategy to antifungals in the management of VVC. We aimed to explore and thoroughly examine the various roles and potential applications of probiotics in VVC. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant clinical trials and systematic reviews that examine the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of VVC and recurrent VVC (rVVC). Following the initial screening of 4563 articles, a total of 25 clinical studies and seven systematic reviews were finally included in this analysis. The studies reviewed provide a generally positive yet inconsistent view of the efficacy of probiotics in managing VVC, including clinical, mycological response, and prevention perspectives. Nonetheless, fluconazole remains more effective than probiotics in treating VVC, while the combination of the two seems to reduce recurrence and improve symptoms significantly. For prevention, probiotics seem to improve vaginal health and reduce symptoms, while safety and tolerability are consistently reported across the studies, affirming that probiotics represent a low-risk intervention. However, clear conclusions are difficult to establish since relative studies explore different clinical endpoints and follow-up times, variable populations are included, different probiotics are used, and diverse schedules and regimens are administered. We propose that future studies should study the benefit of probiotics in well-defined categories such as (1) treatment with acute probiotics instead of antifungals, (2) adjuvant probiotic therapy together or after antifungals, and (3) VVC recurrence prevention using probiotics. Full article

The lack of clear prescribing protocols in the field of probiotics creates difficulties for physicians in the uniform application of these adjuvant therapies. Although there are guidelines that evaluate existing studies and provide different levels of evidence for the efficacy of probiotics, they do not offer specific prescribing strategies. The present study explores how this gap influences the prescribing behavior of physicians, analyzing the diagnoses associated with prescribed probiotics, the duration of treatment, and the associations with antibiotics. Additionally, the study addresses potential omissions in prescribing strategies, exploring discrepancies and possible errors in doctors’ recommendations. Through this research, an attempt is made to understand correctly how probiotics are integrated into treatment protocols, with the aim of improving prescribing directions and effective use in the future. Full article

Probiotics can improve animal growth performance and intestinal health. However, understanding the effects of paraprobiotics on the growth performance and gut microbiota of piglets and how the paraprobiotics exert their impact are still limited. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and fecal metabolites of piglets. First, a feed-additive sample of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 was prepared by culture. Second, 96 (initial BW = 14.38 ± 0.67 kg, weaning age of 40 days) healthy piglets were selected and randomized into four treatment groups. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates (n = 8). Pigs were fed a basal diet (NC), basal diet plus antibiotics (PC), basal diet plus Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 at 600 g/t (LA, 1.0 × 10¹⁰ cfu/g), and basal diet plus heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 at 600 g/t (HKLA), respectively; the trial lasted for 30 days. The results showed that the ratios of feed to gain (F:G) and diarrhea rate of both the HKLA and PC groups were significantly lower compared with the NC and LA groups (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the HKLA and PC group (p > 0.05). In addition, the average daily weight gain (ADG) of the HKLA group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the other three groups in terms of growth performance. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolome analysis based on fecal samples further elaborated that the addition of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 to the feed improved the intestinal microbial diversity and abundance (p < 0.05) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (p < 0.05), but it did not affect the abundance of Lactobacillus (p > 0.05). Through the comparison of microbial abundance and metabolite content between the two groups (NC_vs_HKLA), the largest differences were found in six microorganisms and 10 metabolites in the intestine (p < 0.05). These differential metabolites were involved in the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein and starch, as well as in oxidative stress. In summary, addition of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 as a new feed additive in piglets has beneficial effects on the growth performance, intestinal bacteria and metabolites, and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics. Full article

As it has been revealed that the activation of human immune cells through the activity of intestinal microorganisms such as pro- and prebiotics plays a vital role, controlling the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful bacteria in the intestine has become essential. The importance of probiotics, especially for skin health and the immune system, has led to the emergence of products in various forms, including probiotics, prebiotics, and parabiotics. In particular, atopic dermatitis (AD) produces hypersensitive immunosuppressive substances by promoting the differentiation and activity of immune regulatory T cells. As a result, it has been in the Th1 and Th2 immune balance through a mechanism that suppresses skin inflammation or allergic immune responses caused by bacteria. Furthermore, an immune mechanism has recently emerged that simultaneously controls the expression of IL-17 produced by Th17. Therefore, the anti-atopic effect was investigated by administering doses of anti-atopic candidate substances (Lactobacilus sakei CVL-001, Lactobacilus casei MCL, and Lactobacilus sakei CVL-001 Lactobacilus casei MCL mixed at a ratio of 4:3) in an atopy model using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and observing symptom changes for 2 weeks to confirm the effect of pro-, para-, and mixed biotics on AD. First, the body weight and feed intake of the experimental animals were investigated, and total IgG and IgM were confirmed through blood biochemical tests. Afterward, histopathological staining was performed using H&E staining, Toluidine blue staining, Filaggrin staining, and CD8 antibody staining. In the treatment group, the hyperproliferation of the epidermal layer, the inflammatory cell infiltration of the dermal layer, the expression of CD8, the expression of filaggrin, and the secretion of mast cells were confirmed to be significantly reduced. Lastly, small intestine villi were observed through a scanning microscope, and scoring evaluation was performed through skin damage. Through these results, it was confirmed that AD was reduced when treated with pro-, para-, and mixed biotics containing probiotics and parabiotics. Full article

This study aimed to assess the impact of a combination of probiotic strains of Lactiplantibacillus on the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). To this end, 136 individuals with AGA (62 men and 74 women) aged 18–65 years were enrolled in a double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 115 individuals (57 in the probiotic group and 58 in the placebo group) completed this study within a 16-week intervention period. Capillary density, thickness, and length of hair were analyzed before and after the intervention using FotoFinder Trichoscale Pro. In addition, the gut microbiota was assessed by paired-end sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform (2 × 300 bp). At the conclusion of the treatment period, a notable decline (p < 0.05) in the number of telogen hairs was evident in the probiotic group while hair thickness decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, the remaining variables did not exhibit any statistically significant changes. In the probiotic-treated group, individuals aged less than 37.5 years exhibited a reduction in the number and density of telogen hair (p = 0.0693 and p = 0.0669, respectively) and an increase in hair length (p = 0.0871). Furthermore, a notable decline in the number and density of vellus hair (p < 0.05) was observed, and this was accompanied by no change in the hair thickness. The probiotic-treated group exhibited a significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus (p-adjusted < 0.05, DEseq2 test) and demonstrated a notable reduction in the number and density of telogen hair, and this was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of anagen hair. The probiotic mixture was well tolerated by the participants, with a treatment adherence rate of 90%. In light of this study’s limitations, it can be concluded that a mixture of three strains of Lactiplantibacillus promotes the presence of terminal follicles, preventing their gradual miniaturization, which is a characteristic of AGA. Full article

Ganoderma lucidum, used in East Asia for its health benefits, contains ganoderic acids (GA) which have various pharmacological activities but are limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioaccessibility. This study synthesized and characterized ganoderic acids loaded zein-chitosan nanoparticles (GA-NPs), and investigated its advantages in alleviating alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice model. The GA-NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.68%), small particle size (177.20 nm), and a +29.53 mV zeta potential. The experimental results of alcohol-induced liver injury mouse model showed that GA-NPs significantly improved liver metabolic function, reduced alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress in liver by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde level, while increasing the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase. Moreover, GA-NPs were favorable to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice exposed to alcohol by increasing the proportion of probiotics such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, etc., which were highly correlated with the improvement of liver function. Furthermore, GA-NPs modulated the mRNA expression related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Conclusively, this study revealed that GA-NPs have stronger hepatoprotective effects than non-encapsulated ganoderic acids on alleviating ALI by regulating intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism. Full article

Purpose of review: This review investigates the oral microbiome’s composition, functions, influencing factors, connections to oral and systemic diseases, and personalized oral care strategies. Recent findings: The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem consisting of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses that contribute to oral health. Various factors, such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions, can affect the balance of the oral microbiome and lead to dysbiosis, which can result in oral health issues like dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral candidiasis, and halitosis. Importantly, our review explores novel associations between the oral microbiome and systemic diseases including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrinal, and neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We comprehensively review the efficacy of interventions like dental probiotics, xylitol, oral rinses, fluoride, essential oils, oil pulling, and peptides in promoting oral health by modulating the oral microbiome. Summary: This review emphasizes the critical functions of the oral microbiota in dental and overall health, providing insights into the effects of microbial imbalances on various diseases. It underlines the significant connection between the oral microbiota and general health. Furthermore, it explores the advantages of probiotics and other dental care ingredients in promoting oral health and addressing common oral issues, offering a comprehensive strategy for personalized oral care. Full article