PMID: 

Arch Iran Med. 2015 Mar ;18(3):167-72. PMID: 25773690

Abstract Title: 

Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei on colorectal tumor cells activity (CaCo-2).

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The probiotic microorganisms are live normal flora that provide nutritional benefits. When probiotic administered in adequate amounts, they also confer a health benefit on the host. Different mechanisms of probiotic effects include the following: stimulating the immune system, modifying the composition of normal intestinal flora and preventing the carcinogenic activity of fecal enzymes. In this study, direct effects of probiotic lactobacilli on tumor cells were investigated.METHODS: Supernatants and bacterial extracts of two standard Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus and L. casei) were prepared and CaCo-2 cells were treated with them. Probiotic effects on cell proliferation, necrosis, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed.RESULTS: The supernatants of Lactobacilli decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis, however, no significant effect on cell necrosis was reported. In contrast, Lactobacilli extract, reduced cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis. Lactobacilli extract also led to cell necrosis. Furthermore, both supernatants and cell extracts of the probiotic agents resulted in decreased cells' migration and invasion.CONCLUSION: In this study, it was shown that Lactobacilli probiotics useful effects are not confined to the enhancement of the immune system; however, they effectively suppress the malignant phenotypes of colorectal cancer cells.

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PMID: 

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2006 May ;42(5):452-8. PMID: 16620202

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Lactobacillus strains on cancer cell proliferation and oxidative stress in vitro.

Abstract: 

AIMS: The objective of this study was to assess in vitro, whether heat-killed (HK) lactic acid bacteria cells and fractionations of HK cells could suppress the viability of human cancer cells and inhibit the cytotoxicity associated with oxidative stress.METHODS AND RESULTS: Among the strains, the HK cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus 606 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 exhibited the most profound inhibitory activity in all of the tested cell lines. HK cells of L. acidophilus 606 were determined to be less toxic to healthy human embryo fibroblasts (hEF cells) than were HK cells of L. casei ATCC 393. The soluble polysaccharides from L. acidophilus 606 evidenced the most effective anticancer activity, but inhibited hEF cell growth by only 20%. The soluble polysaccharides from L. acidophilus 606 were partly observed to induce apoptosis in the HT-29 cells by DNA fragmentation and propidium iodine staining. Both the HK cells of L. acidophilus 606 and the soluble polysaccharide components of this strain also exhibited potent antioxidative activity.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the soluble polysaccharide fraction from L. acidophilus 606 may constitute a novel anticancer agent, which manifests a high degree of selectivity for human cancer cells and antioxidative agent in the food industry.SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These soluble polysaccharide components from Lactobacillus may be applied to various foods, and used as adjuncts for cancer therapy and prevention.

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PMID: 

J BUON. 2018 May-Jun;23(3):587-591. PMID: 30003723

Abstract Title: 

Antitumor effects of emodin in CACO-2 human colon carcinoma cells are mediated via apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and downregulation of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: Emodin is an important constituent of Rheum emodi, an important medicinal herb. Emodin has been reported to exhibit significant pharmacological potential. Several activities such as anticancer activity have been attributed to emodin. However, the anticancer effects of emodin on colon cancer cells have not been fully studied. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the anticancer activity of emodin against the CACO-2 colon carcinoma cells.
METHODS: The anti-proliferative activity of emodin was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis were carried out by flow cytometry using different fluorescent probes. Expression of proteins was examined by western blotting.
RESULTS: The results indicated that emodin reduced the viability of CACO-2 colon cancer cells. The observed IC50 for emodin was 30μM at 24 hrs of incubation. Furthermore, the anticancer effects of emodin were found to be due to induction of apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) determination and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio indicated that emodin-induced apoptosis followed the mitochondrial pathway. Emodin could also trigger cell cycle arrest in CACO-2 colon carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Evaluation of the effect of emodin in PI3/AKT signalling pathway revealed that emodin could inhibit this signalling cascade indicating the potential of emodin as anticancer drug for the treatment of colon cancer.
CONCLUSION: Emodin exhibited potent anticancer effects in CACO-2 human colon carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

PMID: 

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Jan ;51(1):110-120. Epub 2019 Dec 3. PMID: 31797399

Abstract Title: 

The therapeutic efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12in infant colic: A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of infant colic is poorly defined. Gut microbiota seems to be involved, supporting the potential therapeutic role of probiotics.AIMS: To assess the rate of infants with a reduction of≥50% of mean daily crying duration after 28 days of intervention with the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12(BB-12). Secondary outcomes were daily number of crying episodes, sleeping time, number of bowel movements and stool consistency.METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) on otherwise healthy exclusively breastfed infants with infant colic randomly allocated to receive BB-12 (1 × 10 CFU/day) or placebo for 28 days. Gut microbiota structure and butyrate, beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), cathelicidin (LL-37), secretory IgA (sIgA) and faecal calprotectin levels were assessed.RESULTS: Eighty infants were randomised, 40/group. The rate of infants with reduction of≥50% of mean daily crying duration was higher in infants treated with BB-12, starting from the end of 2nd week. No infant relapsed when treatment was stopped. The mean number of crying episodes decreased in both groups, but with a higher effect in BB-12 group (-4.7 ± 3.4 vs -2.3 ± 2.2, P 

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PMID: 

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 May ;62(5):584-93. Epub 2007 Apr 18. PMID: 17440520

Abstract Title: 

Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: It was determined whether a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 (B. lactis 420) affect the faecal microbiota as well as immunological parameters and blood lipids in healthy adults.DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized crossover trial was conducted.SUBJECTS: Twenty-six healthy volunteers (mean age 25 years) were recruited by advertising in academical buildings. All of them completed the study.METHODS: After 3-week run-in period, half of the volunteers consumed 300 g/day of yoghurt supplement containing probiotic strains L. acidophilus 74-2 and B. lactis 420, and the other half received the placebo product for a period of 5 weeks. The two groups were crossed during the following 5-week period. Blood and faecal samples were collected at the end of each period. The faecal content of probiotic bacteria, faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), serum lipids and plasma immune system biomarkers were evaluated.RESULTS: Faecal proportions of L. acidophilus and of B. lactis increased significantly from 0.02 to 0.19 and 0.4 to 1.4% (P

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PMID: 

Ann Nutr Metab. 2006 ;50(4):387-93. Epub 2006 Jun 30. PMID: 16816529

Abstract Title: 

Influence of daily consumption of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma lipid profile in young healthy women.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have found conflicting results concerning the modulation of plasma lipids induced by probiotics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify and compare the effects of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma lipid profile of normocholesterolemic women.METHODS: In this study, female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for 2 weeks (T1-T2) and 200 g/day for further 2 weeks (T2-T3). A washout phase lasting 2 weeks followed (T4). Total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods; LDL cholesterol was calculated using the Friedewald formula.RESULTS: The average concentration of total cholesterol was consistent throughout the whole study in the control group, but decreased significantly (p

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PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Dec 10 ;62(49):11884-91. Epub 2014 Nov 26. PMID: 25341087

Abstract Title: 

Carrot juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats.

Abstract: 

The effect of carrot juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 on high-fat and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes in rats was studied. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: non-diabetes mellitus (NDM), untreated diabetes mellitus (DM), DM plus L. plantarum NCU116 (NCU), DM plus fermented carrot juice with L. plantarum NCU116 (FCJ), and DM plus non-fermented carrot juice (NFCJ). Treatments of NCU and FCJ for 5 weeks were found to favorably regulate blood glucose, hormones, and lipid metabolism in the diabetic rats, accompanied by an increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in the colon. In addition, NCU and FCJ had restored the antioxidant capacity and morphology of the pancreas and kidney and upregulated mRNA of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). These results have for the first time demonstrated that L. plantarum NCU116 and the fermented carrot juice had the potentialability to ameliorate type 2 diabetes in rats.

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PMID: 

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019 ;59(3):506-527. Epub 2017 Oct 20. PMID: 28945458

Abstract Title: 

Health benefits of fermented foods.

Abstract: 

In the past, the beneficial effects of fermented foods on health were unknown, and so people primarily used fermentation to preserve foods, enhance shelf life, and improve flavour. Fermented foods became an important part of the diet in many cultures, and over time fermentation has been associated with many health benefits. Because of this, the fermentation process and the resulting fermented products have recently attracted scientific interest. In addition, microorganisms contributing to the fermentation process have recently been associated with many health benefits, and so these microorganisms have become another focus of attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been some of the most studied microorganisms. During fermentation, these bacteria synthesize vitamins and minerals, produce biologically active peptides with enzymes such as proteinase and peptidase, and remove some non-nutrients. Compounds known as biologically active peptides, which are produced by the bacteria responsible for fermentation, are also well known for their health benefits. Among these peptides, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have a blood pressure lowering effect, exopolysaccharides exhibit prebiotic properties, bacteriocins show anti-microbial effects, sphingolipids have anti-carcinogenic and anti-microbial properties, and bioactive peptides exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, opioid antagonist, anti-allergenic, and blood pressure lowering effects. As a result, fermented foods provide many health benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activity. However, some studies have shown no relationship between fermented foods and health benefits. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the health effects of fermented foods.

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PMID: 

Food Funct. 2019 May 22 ;10(5):2935-2946. PMID: 31070649

Abstract Title: 

Fermented carrot juice attenuates type 2 diabetes by mediating gut microbiota in rats.

Abstract: 

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of carrot juice fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) based on the regulation of gut microbiota. Carrot juice fermented with LGG was enriched with free phenols, organic acids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Supplementation of carrot juice fermented with LGG (DFCL) could favorably regulate blood glucose, insulin, antioxidant capacity and morphology of the pancreas and kidney in the diabetic rats, accompanied by an increase of SCFAs in the cecum. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis revealed that DFCL supplementation altered the composition of gut microbiota, showing increased relative abundances of functionally relevant enterotypes, such as Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Oscillibacter, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcaceae and Alloprevotella were closely correlated with biochemical biomarkers. Meanwhile, DFCL treatment regulated the expressions of genes involved in glucose metabolism at the mRNA and protein levels.

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PMID: 

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2020 Jan – Feb;48(1):95-104. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31477401

Abstract Title: 

Effects of probiotics in the treatment of food hypersensitivity in children: a systematic review.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Food allergy is considered a public health problem for children. The modulation of the intestinal microbiota seems a promising strategy for the control of allergic reactions.OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of different forms of probiotics in pediatric food hypersensitivity treatment.DATA SOURCE: We conducted a systematic review based on clinical trials published in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The searches were carried out using the MeSH terms"Food Hypersensitivity,""Probiotics,""Lactobacillus,"and"Bifidobacterium".DATA SYNTHESIS: The final selection resulted in 18 clinical trials, which were predominantly samples of infants and pre-school children. The most-often used strain, either alone or in combination, was Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; a placebo was mainly used in the control group. As for the vehicle, the most common forms were capsules and infant formulas, and the period of intervention ranged from four weeks to 24 months, with weekly or monthly visits to measure the outcomes. In these 18 trials, 46 analyses were performed with 27 different types of outcomes to evaluate the effects of probiotics (12 laboratory and 15 clinical). Twenty-seven of these analyses demonstrated the benefits of using these microorganisms. The SCORAD (atopic dermatitis index) and IgE levels and cytokines were the outcomes mostly evaluated.CONCLUSION: The use of probiotics is beneficial in promoting immunomodulation and reducing clinical symptoms. However, more methodologically based research is needed to clarify the effect from each type, dose, and time of using them for the establishment of definitive care protocols.

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