PMID: 

Life Sci. 2020 Jan 8:117281. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926249

Abstract Title: 

Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 alleviates Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction via TLRs/mast cells pathway.

Abstract: 

AIMS: Mast cells play a crucial role in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. This study was conducted to investigate the role of mast cells (MCs) in the protective effect of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 (L. casei ATCC 393) on intestinal barrier function.MAIN METHODS: The regulatory effect of L. casei ATCC 393 on intestinal barrier dysfunction and MCs activation induced by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC K88) were evaluated by porcine mucosal mast cells (PMMCs)-porcine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2)-L. casei ATCC 393 co-culture experiments in vitro and MCs stabilizer drug experiment in vivo.KEY FINDINGS: Results showed that L. casei ATCC 393 pretreatment effectively alleviated the reduction of cell viability and increase of permeability in ETEC K88-infected IPEC-J2 cells. L. casei ATCC 393 pretreatment inhibited the increase of proinflammatory cytokines and some other MCs mediators, and decrease of anti-inflammatory cytokines in ETEC K88-infected PMMCs. Cromolyn sodium or L. casei ATCC 393 prevented ETEC K88-induced increase of intestinal epithelial cell permeability in IPEC-J2 cells when co-cultivation with PMMCs. Furthermore, cromolyn sodium or L. casei ATCC 393 pretreatment attenuated ETEC K88-induced increase of MCs mediators, mast cell proteases (MCPs) and carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) mRNA levels, and down-regulation of tight junction proteins, Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) expression levels in mice challenged by ETEC K88.SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicated that intestinal barrier dysfunction caused by ETEC K88 was mediated by intestinal mast cell activation which can be prevented by L. casei ATCC 393 via TLRs signaling pathway.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2017 Mar 16 ;9(3). Epub 2017 Mar 16. PMID: 28300786

Abstract Title: 

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Probiotic Mixture on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Abstract: 

Growing evidence has indicated that supplementation with probiotics improves lipid metabolism. We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of a probiotics mixture (PM) of three strains belonging to the species(,, and) and two strains belonging to the species(and) on cholesterol-lowering efficacy in hypercholesterolemic rats. A hypercholesterolemic rat model was established by feeding a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. To test the effects of PM on hypercholesterolemia, hypercholesterolemic rats were assigned to four groups, which were treated daily with low (1.65× 10⁸ cfu/kg), medium (5.5 × 10⁸ cfu/kg), or high (1.65 × 10cfu/kg) doses of probiotic mixture or simvastatin for eight weeks. Significant reductions of serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, but increases of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were observed after supplementation of PM in hypercholesterolemic rats. In PM-supplemented hypercholesterolemic rats, hepatic tissue contents of TC and TG also significantly decreased. Notably, the histological evaluation of liver tissues demonstrated that PM dramatically decreased lipid accumulation. For their underlying mechanisms, we demonstrated that PM reduced expressions of cholesterol synthesis-related proteins such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in the liver. Taken together, these findings suggest that PM has beneficial effects against hypercholesterolemia. Accordingly, our PM might be utilized as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of hypercholesterolemia.

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PMID: 

PLoS One. 2015 ;10(10):e0139795. Epub 2015 Oct 16. PMID: 26473340

Abstract Title: 

Meta-Analysis: Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Normal to Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Individuals.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Recent experimental and clinical studies have suggested that probiotic supplementation has beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles. However, there are conflicting results on the efficacy of probiotic preparations in reducing serum cholesterol.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of probiotics on human serum lipid levels, we conducted a meta-analysis of interventional studies.METHODS: Eligible reports were obtained by searches of electronic databases. We included randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing probiotic supplementation with placebo or no treatment (control). Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3.3. Subanalyses were also performed.RESULTS: Eleven of 33 randomized clinical trials retrieved were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. No participant had received any cholesterol-lowering agent. Probiotic interventions (including fermented milk products and probiotics) produced changes in total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference -0.17 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.07 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference -0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.13 mmol/L). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not differ significantly between probiotic and control groups. In subanalysis, long-term (>4-week) probiotic intervention was statistically more effective in decreasing TC and LDL-C than short-term (≤ 4-week) intervention. The decreases in TC and LDL-C levels with probiotic intervention were greater in mildly hypercholesterolemic than in normocholesterolemic individuals. Both fermented milk product and probiotic preparations decreased TC and LDL-C levels. Gaio and the Lactobacillus acidophilus strain reduced TC and LDL-C levels to a greater extent than other bacterial strains.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that probiotic supplementation could be useful in the primary prevention of hypercholesterolemia and may lead to reductions in risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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PMID: 

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2013 Dec ;15(12):1123-7. PMID: 24342213

Abstract Title: 

[Probiotics improve obesity-associated dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-fed rats].

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of probiotics (bifidobacterium breve and lactobacillus acidophilus) on serum lipid, serum insulin and insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats.METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control (n=10) and a high fat diet groups (n=40) and were fed with standard diet and HFD respectively. Four weeks later, thirty-six HFD-induced obese rats were randomly administered with normal saline (NS), bifidobacterium breve and lactobacillus acidophilus daily (n=12 each). Four weeks later, body lengths, body weights and abdomen circumference of rats were measured, blood lipid, glucose and insulin levels were measured, and Lee's index and insulin resistance index were calculated.RESULTS: Body weight, abdomen circumference, Lee's index, fasting glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the NS-treated HFD group were significantly higher than the control group (P

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PMID: 

J Dairy Sci. 1999 Apr ;82(4):649-60. PMID: 10212452

Abstract Title: 

Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium to potentiate immunoglobulin A responses to cholera toxin in mice.

Abstract: 

Lactic acid bacteria have been reported to have benefits for the prevention and treatment of some forms of diarrhea and related conditions. To determine whether these effects might involve direct stimulation of the gastrointestinal immune response, we administered yogurt to try to enhance mucosal and systemic antibodies against an orally presented immunogen, cholera toxin. Yogurts were manufactured with starter cultures containing different species and strains of lactic acid bacteria. Mice were fed these yogurts for 3 wk, during which they were also orally immunized twice with 10 micrograms of cholera toxin. Blood was collected on d 0 and 21, and fecal pellets were collected weekly. Mice that were immunized orally with cholera toxin responded by producing specific intestinal and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A anti-cholera toxin. Antibody responses of the IgA isotype were significantly increased in mice fed yogurts made with starters containing the conventional yogurt bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium infantis. Yogurt that was manufactured with starters containing only conventional yogurt bacteria produced less IgA anti-cholera toxin than did the control group fed nonfat dry milk. Although strong responses were also observed for IgG anti-cholera toxin in serum, the responses did not differ among groups. Thus, administration of yogurt supplemented with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. enhanced mucosal and systemic IgA responses to the cholera toxin immunogen.

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PMID: 

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000 Apr ;54(4):288-97. PMID: 10745279

Abstract Title: 

Effect of 8 week intake of probiotic milk products on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a probiotic milk product containing the culture CAUSIDO(R) and of two alternative products on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in overweight and obese subjects.DESIGN: An 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo- and compliance-controlled, parallel study.SUBJECTS: Seventy healthy, weight-stable, overweight and obese (25.0

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PMID: 

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Nov ;65(11):1250-5. Epub 2011 Jun 22. PMID: 21697819

Abstract Title: 

Effect of functional yogurt NY-YP901 in improving the trait of metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome of functional yogurt NY-YP901 (Namyang Dairy Product Co. Ltd and Nutra R&BT Inc., Seoul, Korea) supplemented with mixture of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and extra-ingredients containing Bifidobacterium breve (CBG-C2), Enterococcus faecalis FK-23, fibersol-2 and so on.SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was designed as an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. Treatment and control groups consumed a functional yogurt NY-YP901 (150 ml) and a placebo yogurt twice a day, respectively, for 8 weeks. Body weight and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose with HbA1C and waist circumference were measured before and after treatment. Inclusion criteria were healthy individuals between the ages 20-65 years old who submitted an informed consent.RESULTS: During the period August 2009 to December 2009, 101 healthy participants (31 males and 70 females) finished the study. Treatment group were 53 individuals, and the control group were 48 individuals. In the treatment group consuming NY-YP901, statistically significant beneficial changes were observed in body weight (treatment group vs control group=-0.24±1.50 vs +0.64±1.39 kg, P

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PMID: 

Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr ;33(2):198-203. Epub 2013 Jun 7. PMID: 23786900

Abstract Title: 

Effects of synbiotic food consumption on metabolic status of diabetic patients: a double-blind randomized cross-over controlled clinical trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We are aware of no study indicating the effects of synbiotic food consumption on metabolic profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress among diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of synbiotic food consumption on metabolic profiles, hs-CRP and biomarkers of oxidative stress in diabetic patients.METHODS: This randomized double-blinded cross-over controlled clinical trial was performed among 62 diabetic patients aged 35-70 y. After a 2-wk run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to consume either a synbiotic (n = 62) or control food (n = 62) for 6 weeks. A 3-week washout period was applied following which subjects were crossed over to the alternate treatment arm for an additional 6 weeks. The synbiotic food consisted of a probiotic viable and heat-resistant Lactobacillus sporogenes (1× 10(7) CFU), 0.04 g inulin (HPX) as prebiotic with 0.38 g isomalt, 0.36 g sorbitol and 0.05 g stevia as sweetener per 1 g. Control food (the same substance without probiotic bacteria and prebiotic inulin) was packed in identical 9-gram packages. Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic and control foods three times a day. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after a 6-wk intervention to measure metabolic profiles, hs-CRP and biomarkers of oxidative stress.RESULTS: Consumption of a synbiotic food, compared to the control, resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin levels (changes from baseline: -1.75± 0.60 vs. +0.95 ± 1.09 μIU/mL, P = 0.03). Although we failed to find a significant effect of synbiotic food consumption on total- and LDL-cholesterol levels and HOMA-IR, the effects on FPG (22.3 vs. 4.2 mg/dL, P = 0.09), serum triglycerides (45.9 vs. 20.6 mg/dL, P = 0.08) and HDL-cholesterol levels (3.1 vs. -2 mg/dL, P = 0.06) tended to be significant. A significant reduction in serum hs-CRP levels (-1057.86 ± 283.74 vs. 95.40 ± 385.38 ng/mL, P = 0.01) was found following the consumption of synbiotic food compared with the control group. Supplementation with the synbiotic food led to a significant increase in plasma total GSH (319.98 vs. 19.73 μmol/L, P

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PMID: 

Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb ;35(1):67-76. Epub 2015 Mar 5. PMID: 25794439

Abstract Title: 

Effects of vitamin D-fortified low fat yogurt on glycemic status, anthropometric indexes, inflammation, and bone turnover in diabetic postmenopausal women: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Low levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) are common in type 2 diabetic patients and cause several complications particularly, in postmenopausal women due to their senile and physiological conditions. This study aimed to assess the effects of vitamin D-fortified low fat yogurt on glycemic status, anthropometric indexes, inflammation, and bone turnover in diabetic postmenopausal women.METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group clinical trial, 59 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes received fortified yogurt (FY; 2000 IU vitamin D in 100 g/day) or plain yogurt (PY) for 12 weeks. Glycemic markers, anthropometric indexes, inflammatory, and bone turnover markers were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.RESULTS: After intervention, in FY group (vs PY group), were observed: significant increase in serum 25(OH)D and decrease of PTH (stable values in PY); significant improvement in serum fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, QUICKI, and no changes in serum fasting glucose and HbA1c (significant worsening of all indexes in PY); significant improvement in WC, WHR, FM, and no change in weight and BMI (stable values in PY); significant increase of omentin (stable in PY) and decrease of sNTX (significant increase in PY). Final values of glycemic markers (except HbA1c), omentin, and bone turnover markers significantly improved in FY group compared to PY group. Regarding final values of serum 25(OH)D in FY group, subjects were classified in insufficient and sufficient categories. Glycemic status improved more significantly in the insufficient rather than sufficient category; whereas the other parameters had more amelioration in the sufficient category.CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of 2000 IU vitamin D-fortified yogurt for 12 weeks improved glycemic markers (except HbA1c), anthropometric indexes, inflammation, and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.irct.ir (IRCT2013110515294N1).

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PMID: 

J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Jan ;8(1):128-133. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 29322000

Abstract Title: 

Effects of cinnamon supplementation on antioxidant status and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract: 

Background: The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of cinnamon supplementation on antioxidant status and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 84 overweight or obese PCOS patients; aged 20-38 years. Subjects in cinnamon (n = 42) and placebo (n = 42) groups were given 3 cinnamon capsules (each one contained 500 mg cinnamon) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and dietary intake data were gathered at the beginning and at the end of the study. Independent t test, pairedt test and analysis of covariance were used to analyze of data.Results: Cinnamon significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.005). Malondialdehyde was significantly decreased compared with placebo (P = 0.014). Cinnamon supplementation significantly improved serum level of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P 

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