PMID: 

J Neuroinflammation. 2019 Nov 21 ;16(1):231. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31752913

Abstract Title: 

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

Abstract: 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and autoimmune neurological disorder which leads to demyelination. Although the etiology of MS is yet to be known, it appears that regulating the immune system and suppressing inflammatory pathways may possibly have a favorable effect on the healing of this disease. Evidence suggests that probiotics consumption via gut microbiome alteration devises beneficial effects in improving immune and inflammatory responses in MS. All articles were systematically searched (in the main databases) for this paper. Two investigators independently scrutinized full texts of the potentially eligible articles. The quality of the study was evaluated using standardized tools. The methodological quality of seven studies included in this review ranged from fair to good. The findings illustrated that there were statistically significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance in patients and animals with MS. In the paper in hand, the effects of probiotics administration on immune and inflammatory markers in MS disease are evaluated. In addition, the limitations and knowledge gaps were reported while proposing a possible mechanism of probiotics therapy in modulating immune and inflammatory responses. This systematic review indicated that the probiotics could improve immune and inflammatory parameters, the cytokines and cells in MS disease. Probiotics may have efficient effects in management and treatment of MS. More studies are required to clarify the effect of supplementation with probiotics and their mechanisms in MS disease.

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PMID: 

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019 Nov 22. Epub 2019 Nov 22. PMID: 31758237

Abstract Title: 

Combination of probiotics with different functions alleviate DSS-induced colitis by regulating intestinal microbiota, IL-10, and barrier function.

Abstract: 

The potential of probiotics for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) has attracted increasing attention. However, more studies are still needed to guide physicians on the proper selection and use of probiotics. Here, we propose that combination of multiple probiotics with different functions can reduce intestinal inflammation. In this study, the effects of probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium longum, and Clostridium butyricum) on the physiology and histopathology of colon were evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The combined species, as well as the species individually, were tested and compared with sulfasalazine (SASP) and two Chinese herbal therapies. Results show that the functions of the four probiotic strains were different in regulating intestinal immunity and barrier function. The four-species probiotic cocktail was more effective than the species individually and anti-inflammatory drugs in repairing the dysbiosis of mucosal microbial ecology and reducing intestinal inflammation. The multi-strain probiotic mixture increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria and decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory bacteria in the colonic mucosa. In addition, probiotic mixture significantly enhanced the expression of IL-10 and intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that a combination of multiple probiotics with different functions has synergistic effects and can restore the balance of interactions between microorganisms and immunological niches.

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PMID: 

J Food Sci. 2019 Nov 24. Epub 2019 Nov 24. PMID: 31762034

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Lactobacillus Casei YBJ02 on Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemic Mice.

Abstract: 

Traditionally fermented yak yogurt as a Tibetan dairy product is high not only in nutrients but also in probiotics. A probiotic strain with a potential lipid reducing effect was isolated from yak yogurt. An animal model for hyperlipidemia was evaluated using the blood index and expression levels of lipid metabolism-related proteins in mice to determine the effect of Lactobacillus casei YBJ02 (LC-YBJ02) on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice and the underlying mechanism. LC-YBJ02 at different concentrations exhibited certain inhibitory effects on the increase in blood lipid in mice. Particularly, high concentrations of LC-YBJ02 can reduce the cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein content; however, no significant effect on the high-density lipoprotein of the body has been reported. LC-YBJ02 can effectively increase the reduction in cholesterol level by fecal excretion. In this study, the gene-affecting mouse obesity was determined using experimental results in mice. The expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBP)/α, sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c, and FAS could improve because of the high-fat diet in kidney fat. Bacteria at different concentrations could also decrease these expression levels. Specifically, the high concentrationof LC-YBJ02 could suppress the expression of PPARγ, CEBP/α, and SREBP-1c; however, the expression of FAS was not significantly inhibited. PPARγ and FAS expression levels in the liver were low, but no significant difference was indicated. CEBP/α and SREBP-1c expression in mouse liver was furtherdetected by Western blot analysis; CEBP/α was considerably low and could not be detected. On the basis of these results, LC-YBJ02 could be used as probiotics through its lipid reduction effects.

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PMID: 

Nutr Rev. 2019 Nov 26. Epub 2019 Nov 26. PMID: 31769847

Abstract Title: 

Probiotics and prebiotics: focus on psychiatric disorders – a systematic review.

Abstract: 

CONTEXT: The gut-brain axis and microbial dysbiosis may play a role in psychiatric diseases. In this view, the gut microbiota has been considered a potential therapeutic target using probiotics and prebiotics.OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to find the existing clinical evidence that may justify the use of probiotics or prebiotics in psychiatric patients.DATA SOURCES: PRISMA guidelines were followed for a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials that assessed the effect of prebiotics or probiotics in patients diagnosed with a classified psychiatric disorder.DATA EXTRACTION: From a total of 212 studies screened, 11 were included in the final systematic review. Quality assessment of the included trials was assessed by the Jadad scale.RESULTS: Probiotics seem to offer some benefit in major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease. One study showed that probiotics reduced rehospitalization in patients with acute mania. In autism spectrum disorders, the results were controversial; however a single study found that early administration of probiotics showed a preventive role. No benefits were found for patients with schizophrenia. In most studies, no major adverse effects were reported.CONCLUSIONS: Although recent findings in specific psychiatric disorders are encouraging, the use of prebiotics and probiotics in clinical practice stills lacks sufficiently robust evidence.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 19 ;11(11). Epub 2019 Nov 19. PMID: 31752378

Abstract Title: 

Role of Probiotics in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Does Gut Microbiota Matter?

Abstract: 

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic consequence of metabolic syndrome, which often also includes obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The connection between gut microbiota (GM) and NAFLD has attracted significant attention in recent years. Data has shown that GM affects hepatic lipid metabolism and influences the balance between pro/anti-inflammatory effectors in the liver. Although studies reveal the association between GM dysbiosis and NAFLD, decoding the mechanisms of gut dysbiosis resulting in NAFLD remains challenging. The potential pathophysiology that links GM dysbiosis to NAFLD can be summarized as: (1) disrupting the balance between energy harvest and expenditure, (2) promoting hepatic inflammation (impairing intestinal integrity, facilitating endotoxemia, and initiating inflammatory cascades with cytokines releasing), and (3) altered biochemistry metabolism and GM-related metabolites (i.e., bile acid, short-chain fatty acids, aromatic amino acid derivatives, branched-chain amino acids, choline, ethanol). Due to the hypothesis that probiotics/synbiotics could normalize GM and reverse dysbiosis, there have been efforts to investigate the therapeutic effect of probiotics/synbiotics in patients with NAFLD. Recent randomized clinical trials suggest that probiotics/synbiotics could improve transaminases, hepatic steatosis, and reduce hepatic inflammation. Despite these promising results, future studies are necessary to understand the full role GM plays in NAFLD development and progression. Additionally, further data is needed to unravel probiotics/synbiotics efficacy, safety, and sustainability as a novel pharmacologic approaches to NAFLD.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 20 ;11(12). Epub 2019 Nov 20. PMID: 31757033

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Vascular Endothelial Function in Participants with Prehypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Abstract: 

This study aimed to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on blood pressure and vascular endothelial function in middle-aged Japanese adults with prehypertension. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 6 men and 24 women aged 40-64 years old. The participants were randomized to receive tablets containing either low-dose (200 mg/day) or high-dose (400 mg/day) GSPE, or placebo, for 12 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and other cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. The mean SBP in the high-dose group significantly decreased by 13 mmHg after 12 weeks (= 0.028), although FMD did not change. In an ad hoc analysis of non-smoking participants (= 21), the mean SBP, DBP, stiffness parameterβ, distensibility, incremental elastic modulus (Einc), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) also significantly improved in the high-dose group after 12 weeks. Changes in Einc and PWV from baseline to 12 weeks were significantly greater in the high-dose group than in the placebo group (Einc,= 0.023; PWV,= 0.03). GSPE consumption could help maintain vascular elasticity and normal blood pressure in this population.

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PMID: 

J Nat Med. 2019 Nov 25. Epub 2019 Nov 25. PMID: 31768887

Abstract Title: 

Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems.

Abstract: 

Gingerol, a biologically active component in ginger, has shown antiemetic properties. Our study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of gingerol on protecting rats and minks from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The preventive impact of gingerol was evaluated in the pica model of rats and the vomiting model of minks induced by cisplatin at every 6 h continuously for a duration of 72 h. Animals were arbitrarily separated into blank control group, simple gingerol control group, cisplatin control group, cisplatin + metoclopramide group, cisplatin + three different doses gingerol group (low-dose; middle-dose; high-dose). The area postrema as well as ileum damage were assessed using H&E stain. The levels of 5-TH, 5-HTreceptor, TPH, SERT, SP, NKreceptor, PPT, NEP, DA, D2R, TH, and DAT were determined using immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR in rats and minks. All indicators were measured in the area postrema along with ileum. The kaolin intake by rats and the incidence of CINV of minks were significantly decreased after pretreatment with gingerol in a dosage-dependent way for the duration of 0-24-h and 24-72-h. Gingerol markedly decreased the levels of 5-TH, 5-HTreceptor, TPH, SP, NKreceptor, PPT, DA, D2R, TH, alleviated area postrema as well as ileum damage, and increased the accumulation of SERT, NEP, DAT in the area postrema along with ileum of rats and minks. Gingerol alleviates cisplatin-induced kaolin intake of rats and emesis of minks possibly by regulating central and peripheral 5-HT system, SP system and DA system.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 21 ;11(12). Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31766576

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin D Deficiency and Sarcopenia in Older Persons.

Abstract: 

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide, in particular among older people. Vitamin D regulates and modulates the physiology and function of multiple human systems, including the skeletal muscle. The effect of vitamin D on the muscle has been widely investigated, suggesting that this hormone can stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle fibers, maintaining and improving muscle strength and physical performance. Older persons have a higher prevalence of low Vitamin D levels as a consequence of low dietary intake and reduced ultraviolet irradiation of the skin. Therefore, older people with vitamin D deficiency might be at risk of sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength often complicated by adverse events, such as falls, disability hospitalization and death. Several randomized clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation in older patients to prevent or treat sarcopenia, but results are still controversial. In this narrative review we summarize the biological, clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting the hypothesis of a causal association between Vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of sarcopenia in older people.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 24 ;11(12). Epub 2019 Nov 24. PMID: 31771244

Abstract Title: 

Fat and Sugar-A Dangerous Duet. A Comparative Review on Metabolic Remodeling in Rodent Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Abstract: 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease in Western society and ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis to end-stage liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms that are involved in the progression of steatosis to more severe liver damage in patients are not fully understood. A deeper investigation of NAFLD pathogenesis is possible due to the many different animal models developed recently. In this review, we present a comparative overview of the most common dietary NAFLD rodent models with respect to their metabolic phenotype and morphological manifestation. Moreover, we describe similarities and controversies concerning the effect of NAFLD-inducing diets on mitochondria as well as mitochondria-derived oxidative stress in the progression of NAFLD.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Oct 3 ;11(10). Epub 2019 Oct 3. PMID: 31623400

Abstract Title: 

Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and double-blind trial aimed to examine the possible effects of four weeks L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults. Participants were 30 individuals (nine men and 21 women; age: 48.3± 11.9 years) who had no major psychiatric illness. L-theanine (200 mg/day) or placebo tablets were randomly and blindly assigned for four-week administration. For stress-related symptoms, Self-rating Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores decreased after L-theanine administration (= 0.019, 0.006, and 0.013, respectively). The PSQI subscale scores for sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and use of sleep medication reduced after L-theanine administration, compared to the placebo administration (all

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