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The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 September 2024 | Viewed by 11296

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Po-Wen Chen

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Guest Editor

Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40249, Taiwan
Interests: development of functional food for pets or human; probiotics and lactoferrin related studies; control or treatment of metabolic disorders; control or treatment of urinary tract infection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria and some yeasts, that are believed to provide health benefits to the host when consumed in sufficient quantities. The primary function of probiotics is to promote a healthy balance of microbiota in the gut or reproductive tract. Recently, new probiotics and featured prebiotics have been identified that are believed to have positive effects on human health. Interestingly, specific paraprobiotics, also known as "non-viable probiotics," have been found to confer certain health benefits on the host in a similar manner to live probiotics. As a result, this Special Issue invites original research submissions or review papers describing recent advancements and challenges in the roles and benefits of probiotics, inactivated probiotics, postbiotics, or prebiotics in human health and disease.

This topic aims to include the latest research related to probiotics, covering multiple aspects from early animal trials to clinical applications. We especially focus on the role of probiotics in human nutrition and their potential impact on the treatment and prevention of diseases. The featured topic will provide a platform for communication, fostering collaboration among scientists, clinical doctors, and nutrition experts, working together to leverage probiotic research in addressing various challenges faced by human health.

Given your good expertise and publication record, I warmly invite you to contribute an article/review paper for possible for this Special Issue “The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution”.

In order to plan the whole project, I kindly ask that you let us know as early as possible if you are interested in making a contribution. We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Po-Wen Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

probiotic
prebiotic
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
postbiotics
disease, health
gut microbiota

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Probiotic Potential of Vegan Puree Mixture: Viability during Simulated Digestion and Bioactive Compound Bioaccessibility

by Kübra Küçükgöz, Marcin Kruk, Danuta Kołożyn-Krajewska and Monika Trząskowska

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16040561 - 18 Feb 2024

Viewed by 912

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a fermented puree mixture containing plant-based ingredients and potential probiotic strains Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosusK3 and Lactobacillus johnsonii K4. The survival of potential probiotic strains, changes in sugar and organic acid concentrations, bioaccessibility of polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity after simulated digestion were examined with sensory quality. The mixture of apple puree, chia seeds, and oat bran or oat flakes was fermented. The sensory quality of the puree mixture was assessed by the quantitative descriptive profile (QDP) method. In vitro digestion was simulated using a static gastrointestinal model. Antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content were analyzed before and after the digestion phases. All samples changed sensory profiles after fermentation. The overall quality was above six out of ten for every product. Fermentation also changed the organic acid composition, with significant increases in lactic, succinic, and acetic acids. After the digestion process, the survival rate remained above 5.8 log₁₀ CFU/g. As a result of fermentation with potential probiotics, the bioaccessibility of the total phenolics and antioxidant activity increased. These results showed that the addition of potential probiotic strains increases nutritional value and could help with healthy nourishment habits. This knowledge can guide the development of consumer-satisfying products in the food industry, expanding the probiotic food market with innovative alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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17 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 in the Amelioration of Vaginal Microbiota in Post-Menopausal Women: A Prospective Observational Clinical Trial

by Franco Vicariotto, Patrizia Malfa, Elisa Viciani, Federica Dell’Atti, Diletta F. Squarzanti, Andrea Marcante, Andrea Castagnetti, Rosetta Ponchia, Laura Governini and Vincenzo De Leo

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 402; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16030402 - 30 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1643

Abstract

The menopausal transition marks a significant physiological shift in women. Menopause-related symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life and probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue. This study aims to investigate the benefits of probiotics in improving vaginal well-being and microbiota composition in post-menopausal women. A prospective observational clinical trial was carried out enrolling 50 post-menopausal healthy women, aged between 45 and 65 years old, taking a supplement containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (3B CFU/day) for 28 days. Vaginal swabs were collected to evaluate microbiota fluctuation and the inflammatory pattern was recorded. A Vaginal Health Index was provided to evaluate vaginal well-being throughout the trial. Clinical outcomes revealed a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Significant improvements were observed across various parameters: a 50% enhancement in the VHI score (p < 0.0001), alongside substantial reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels. An 87.8% decrease in IL-6, 57.6% in IL-1β, and 40.8% in TNF-α was observed (p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic intervention facilitated the restoration of vaginal microbiota, evidenced by an increase in lactobacilli abundance. In conclusion, the combination of these specific probiotic strains, previously clinically tested in childbearing-age women, showed to be effective also for post-menopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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14 pages, 4197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Multi-Strain E3 Probiotic Formulation Improved Mental Health Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Hong Kong Chinese

by Helen Hoi Yin Chan, Pui Ling Kella Siu, Chi Tung Choy, Un Kei Chan, Junwei Zhou, Chi Ho Wong, Yuk Wai Lee, Ho Wang Chan, Joseph Chi Ching Tsui, Steven King Fan Loo and Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5037; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15245037 - 08 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

Mental health issues have emerged as a significant concern in public health, given their association with physical and psychological comorbidities and the resultant socioeconomic burdens. Recent studies have highlighted the interplay between gut microbes and brain functions through the gut–brain axis. To investigate this further, we conducted a targeted 16S rRNA sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis among Southern Chinese individuals to explore the role of the gut microbiome in depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. We analyzed the differences in the gut microbiome profile of 68 participants with sleep disturbance and mood symptoms before and after an 8-week course of a novel oral E3 multi-strain probiotics formula. The results revealed a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality (PSQI: mean 8.79 at baseline vs. 7.10 at week 8, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (PHQ9: mean 6.17 at baseline vs. 4.76 at week 8, p < 0.001), and anxious symptoms (GAD7: mean 4.90 at baseline vs. 3.76 at week 8, p < 0.001). Additionally, there were notable differences in beta diversity (weighted UniFrac; p = 0.045) and increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (p = 4 × 10⁻⁴) were observed in the gut microbiome analysis. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus acidophilus (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus helveticus (p < 0.001) and Lactobacillus plantarum (p < 0.001) were significantly increased after the 8-week probiotic supplementation. Our study suggests that the gut microbial landscape varies between responders and non-responders at multiple levels, including genera, species, functional, and network interaction. Notably, the use of probiotics in populations with depressive or anxious symptoms and poor sleeping quality remodeled the gut microbiome and demonstrated improved mood and sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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17 pages, 3607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 Induces Autophagy via MYD88 and Strengthens Tight Junction Integrity to Promote the Barrier Function in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

by Yumiko Watanabe-Yasuoka, Ayako Gotou, Shigeomi Shimizu and Toshihiro Sashihara

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2655; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15122655 - 07 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1537

Abstract

Autophagy is an important system conserved in eukaryotes that maintains homeostasis by degrading abnormal proteins. Autophagy incompetence in intestinal epithelial cells causes the abnormal function of intestinal stem cells and other cells and damages intestinal barrier function. The disruption of the intestinal barrier causes chronic inflammation throughout the body, followed by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 (OLL2712) is a lactic acid bacterium that induces interleukin-10 production from immune cells, alleviates chronic inflammation, and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study, we hypothesized that OLL2712 exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inducing autophagy and ameliorating intestinal barrier dysfunction, and we investigated its autophagy-inducing activities and functions. Caco-2 cells stimulated with OLL2712 for 24 h showed an increased number of autolysosomes per cell, compared with unstimulated cells. Therefore, the permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4000 (FD-4) was suppressed by inducing autophagy. In contrast, mucin secretion in HT-29-MTX-E12 cells was also increased by OLL2712 but not via autophagy induction. Finally, the signaling pathway involved in autophagy induction by OLL2712 was found to be mediated by myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88). In conclusion, our findings suggest that OLL2712 induces autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells via MYD88, and that mucosal barrier function is strengthened by inducing autophagy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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Review

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15 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutraceuticals Prepared with Specific Strains of Probiotics for Supplementing Gut Microbiota in Hosts Allergic to Certain Foods or Their Additives

by Divakar Dahiya and Poonam Singh Nigam

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15132979 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Certain nutrients cause discomfort, sensitivity reaction, and an intolerance for certain foods or their ingredients when ingested by some consumers. Food reactions and gut inflammation-related problems are increasing worldwide. The primary form of management would be the avoidance of such foods, followed by treatment of their symptoms. Adopting a nutritional–therapeutic approach and establishing practices for the inclusion of functional foods and nutraceuticals in the diet could improve the ecology of gut microbiota and alleviate inflammation in the GIT. For this purpose, specific species of microorganisms characterized as probiotic strains have been studied to produce functional food and fermented beverage products. Commercially sold, such items are labelled as probiotic products, displaying the name/s of strain/s and the viable numbers of them contained in the portion size of the products. The importance of the growth of probiotic functional foods is that they can be consumed as a source of nutrition and their intake helps in the subsistence and recuperation of friendly gut bacteria. Probiotics have been reported for their role in ameliorating the risk of food reactions. Probiotic administration has been implemented for its role as an auxiliary improvement and for the prevention of food sensitivities common among pediatric patients. Probiotic products based on non-dairy substrates have potential as nutraceuticals for lactose intolerant consumers who are allergic to dairy milk products. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review GRAS microbial species characterized as probiotics up to the level of their specific strain’s name and/or number. These have been used to produce nutraceuticals that are sources of beneficial bacteria for easing discomfort and allergic reactions by maintaining an inflammation-free gut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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17 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessReview

Featured Prebiotic Agent: The Roles and Mechanisms of Direct and Indirect Prebiotic Activities of Lactoferrin and Its Application in Disease Control

by Zhen-Shu Liu and Po-Wen Chen

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2759; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15122759 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2104

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, and lactoferricin is a peptide derived from LF hydrolysate. Both LF and lactoferricin (LFcin) have diverse functions that could benefit mammals. Bovine LF (BLF) and BLFcin exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities, but most probiotic strains are relatively resistant to their antibacterial effects. BLF and BLF hydrolysate can promote the growth of specific probiotics depending on the culture conditions, the dose of BLF or BLF-related peptides, and the probiotic strains used. BLF supplementation has been shown to modulate several central molecular pathways or genes in Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG under cold conditions, which may explain the prebiotic roles of BLF. LF alone or in combination with selected probiotics can help control bacterial infections or metabolic disorders, both in animal studies and in human clinical trials. Various LF-expressing probiotics, including those expressing BLF, human LF, or porcine LF, have been developed to facilitate the combination of LFs with specific probiotics. Supplementation with LF-expressing probiotics has positive effects in animal studies. Interestingly, inactivated LF-expressing probiotics significantly improved diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a mouse model. This review highlights the accumulated evidence supporting the use of LF in combination with selected LF-resistant probiotics or LF-expressing probiotics in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Research on Probiotics: Nourishing Health or Pathways to Disease Resolution)

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