PMID: 

Benef Microbes. 2019 Oct 14 ;10(7):729-739. Epub 2019 Jul 24. PMID: 31965842

Abstract Title: 

Probiotics maintain intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in healthy formula-fed infants: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract: 

Formula-fed infants are more susceptible to infectious diseases because they lack the maternal immune factors transferred from breast milk, while their own immune system is still immature. As timely probiotic administration was suggested to promote immune system development in formula-fed infants, this study aimed at assessing the safety and the effects of a probiotic supplement (R0033,R0071, andR0052) on mucosal immune competence and digestive function in formula-fed infants. Healthy infants (3.5-6 months old) were randomised to receive either probiotic- (n=66) or placebo-supplemented (n=66) formula once a day for four weeks. In the probiotics group, faecal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels remained similar between visit 2 (baseline; V2) and visit 3 (end-of-treatment; V3), but decreased in the placebo group. Changes in SIgA levels following treatment (logΔV3-V2 [95%CI]) between the probiotic and placebo groups were statistically significant (23 ng/dl [-57;102] and -137 ng/dl [-212;-62], respectively (=0.0044; ANCOVA)). While logΔV3-V2 [95%CI] for salivary SIgA levels increased in both groups, this trend was more pronounced in the probiotics than in the placebo group with an increase of 123 ng/dl [9;236] and 37 ng/dL [-72;147], respectively (=0.2829; ANCOVA). The weekly average number of stools/day was significantly higher in the probiotics group compared to placebo during the last week of treatment for the per protocol population. There was no difference in microbiota composition or anthropometric parameters between groups. No serious adverse event was reported, and all adverse events were mild and unrelated to the product or study. Our results show that formula-fed infants receiving probiotics maintained higher faecal SIgA levels at the end of the four-week treatment period, suggesting a positive effect of probiotics on SIgA production. This study demonstrates the safety of this probiotic formulation in infants. Formula-fed infants may benefit from probiotics supplementation to sustain the development of mucosal immunity.

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PMID: 

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2020 Jan 9. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31986247

Abstract Title: 

Potential Health-Promoting Benefits of Paraprobiotics, Inactivated Probiotic Cells.

Abstract: 

Viability plays an important role in the beneficial microbes (probiotics) to produce health benefits. However, this idea has been changed after the invention of the term, paraprobiotics, indicating that non-viable microbes could produce health benefits that are similar to those produced by live probiotics. Occasionally, it might be dangerous to administer live probiotics to people with weak immunity. In such cases, ingestion of paraprobiotics could be a potential alternative. The definition of paraprobiotics refers to the use of inactivated (non-viable) microbial cells or cell fractions to provide health benefits to the consumer. Paraprobiotics have attracted much attention because of their long shelf life, safety, and beneficial effects, such as modulation of immunity, modification of biological responses, reduction of cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. These features indicate that paraprobiotics may play a vital role in improving the health of the consumer by enhancing particular physiological functions, even though the exact underlying mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. In this mini-review, we briefly discuss the historical backgrounds of paraprobiotics and evidence of their health-promoting effects, prophylactic, and therapeutic properties.

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PMID: 

Carbohydr Polym. 2020 May 1 ;235:115957. Epub 2020 Feb 8. PMID: 32122493

Abstract Title: 

Cultured Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides modulate intestinal mucosal immunity and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-treated mice.

Abstract: 

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides (CSP) on cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced intestinal mucosal immunosuppression and microbial dysbiosis in mice. Results showed that CSP stimulated cytokines secretion (IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, TGF-β3, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-21) and transcription factors production (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, Foxp3). TLRs (TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-6) and NF-κB pathway key proteins (p-IκB-α, NF-κB p65) were also upregulated after CSP administration. Moreover, CSP recovered SCFAs levels which decreased by Cy treatment. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was performed. α-diversity and β-diversity analysis revealed CSP improved microbial community diversity and modulated the overall structure of gut microbiota. Taxonomic composition analysis found that CSP increased the abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides) and decreased pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium, Flexispira). These findings suggested the potential of CSP as a prebiotics to reduce side effects of Cy on intestinal mucosal immunity and gut microbiota.

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PMID: 

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020 Mar 10:1-19. Epub 2020 Mar 10. PMID: 32156153

Abstract Title: 

The impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the biochemical, clinical, and immunological markers, as well as on the gut microbiota of obese hosts.

Abstract: 

Obesity is currently considered a global epidemic and it leads to several alterations on the human body and its metabolism. There are evidences showing that the intestinal microbiota can influence on the pathogenesis of obesity. Microbiota plays a vital role not only in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also in the homeostatic maintenance of host immunity, metabolism, and gut barrier. Its dietary alteration is an important target in the treatment of obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that modifying the composition of the gut microbiota through probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation may be a viable adjuvant treatment option for obese individuals. In this review, the impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the anthropometric profile, biochemical regulation, clinical, and immunological markers, as well as on the gut microbiota of obese hosts is described. It also emphasizes how changes in the composition and/or metabolic activity of the gut microbiota through the administration of nutrients with probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic properties can modulate the host's gene expression and metabolism, and thereby positively influence on the host's adipose tissue development and related metabolic disorders. The beneficial effects on the host's metabolism promoted by prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have been successfully demonstrated by several studies. However, further investigation is needed to fully explain the cellular mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics on human health, and also to elucidate the relationship between microbiota and obesity etiology, using well-designed, long-term, and large-scale clinical interventions.

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PMID: 

Cells. 2020 Apr 7 ;9(4). Epub 2020 Apr 7. PMID: 32272791

Abstract Title: 

A Commercial Probiotic Induces Tolerogenic and Reduces Pathogenic Responses in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Abstract: 

Previous studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models have shown that some probiotic bacteria beneficially impact the development of this experimental disease. Here, we tested the therapeutic effect of two commercial multispecies probiotics-Lactibiane iki and Vivomixx-on the clinical outcome of established EAE. Lactibiane iki improves EAE clinical outcome in a dose-dependent manner and decreases central nervous system (CNS) demyelination and inflammation. This clinical improvement is related to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory and the stimulation of immunoregulatory mechanisms in the periphery. Moreover, both probiotics modulate the number and phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs). Specifically, Lactibiane iki promotes an immature, tolerogenic phenotype of DCs that can directly induce immune tolerance in the periphery, while Vivomixx decreases the percentage of DCs expressing co-stimulatory molecules. Finally, gut microbiome analysis reveals an altered microbiome composition related to clinical condition and disease progression. This is the first preclinical assay that demonstrates that a commercial probiotic performs a beneficial and dose-dependent effect in EAE mice and one of the few that demonstrates a therapeutic effect once the experimental disease is established. Because this probiotic is already available for clinical trials, further studies are being planned to explore its therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis patients.

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PMID: 

Front Pediatr. 2020 ;8:119. Epub 2020 Apr 7. PMID: 32318522

Abstract Title: 

Probiotics for Prevention of Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Experience of New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Abstract: 

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects mainly preterm infants, has a multifactorial etiology and is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and disordered immunity. Use of probiotics for prophylaxis is beneficial with studies indicating reduction in NEC≥ stage 2, late onset sepsis (LOS) and mortality. However, not all studies have shown a reduction, there are questions regarding which probiotic to use, whether infants

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PMID: 

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020 Apr 16 ;14(4):367-382. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32334392

Abstract Title: 

Enhancing immunity in viral infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: A review.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Balanced nutrition which can help in maintaining immunity is essential for prevention and management of viral infections. While data regarding nutrition in coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are not available, in this review, we aimed to evaluate evidence from previous clinical trials that studied nutrition-based interventions for viral diseases (with special emphasis on respiratory infections), and summarise our observations.METHODS: A systematic search strategy was employed using keywords to search the literature in 3 key medical databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus®. Studies were considered eligible if they were controlled trials in humans, measuring immunological parameters, on viral and respiratory infections. Clinical trials on vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals and probiotics were included.RESULTS: A total of 640 records were identified initially and 22 studies were included from other sources. After excluding duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 43 studies were obtained (vitamins: 13; minerals: 8; nutraceuticals: 18 and probiotics: 4). Among vitamins, A and D showed a potential benefit, especially in deficient populations. Among trace elements, selenium and zinc have also shown favourable immune-modulatory effects in viral respiratory infections. Several nutraceuticals and probiotics may also have some role in enhancing immune functions. Micronutrients may be beneficial in nutritionally depleted elderly population.CONCLUSIONS: We summaries possible benefits of some vitamins, trace elements, nutraceuticals and probiotics in viral infections. Nutrition principles based on these data could be useful in possible prevention and management of COVID-19.

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PMID: 

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020 Apr 18:e1901286. Epub 2020 Apr 18. PMID: 32306526

Abstract Title: 

Red Wine Extract Disrupts Th17 Lymphocyte Differentiation in a Colorectal Cancer Context.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: It is well established that immune response and inflammation promote tumoral progression. Immune cells communicate through direct contact or through cytokine secretion, and it is the expression of these mediators and of the pro-inflammatory status that will tip the balance toward tumor progression or anti-tumor immunity. We have demonstrated that a red wine extract (RWE) was able to decrease inflammation through its action on the inflammasome complex. In this study, we sought to determine whether an RWE could impact other key actors of inflammation, in particular T helper 17 (Th17) immune cells.METHODS AND RESULTS: Using an RWE containing 4.16 g of polyphenols/liter of wine, we showed that RWE decreased colorectal cancer cells (SW620, HCT116, MC38 and CT26) in vitro and that RWE induced a reduction in colorectal tumor growth associated with a decrease in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in vivo. The process of T-lymphocyte differentiation in Th17 cells was altered by RWE, as revealed by the decrease in the expression of key actors controlling this process, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and retinoid acid-related orphan receptorγt. This disruption was associated with an inhibition of inflammatory interleukin 17 secretion.CONCLUSION: The data highlighted the major involvement of Th17 immune cells in the biological effects of an RWE. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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PMID: 

Khirurgiia (Mosk). 1991 Aug(8):14-20. PMID: 1942861

Abstract Title: 

[Autotransfusion of ultraviolet-irradiated blood in destructive pneumonia of young children].

Abstract: 

Analysis of the results of clinicoimmunological study of the use of autotransfusion of blood treated by ultraviolet irradiation (ABUVI) in infants with acute purulent destructive pneumonia (APDP) revealed that imbalance of cellular and humoral immunity factors was the main factor determining the severity of the disease. ABUVI is an effective measure for correcting the immune response of the child's organism to the bacterial aggression through adequate production of monocytic phagocytes and plasma cells of the blood. It also influences the completeness of humoral immunity and reduction of T-lymphocyte deficiency in the acute phase of the disease. ABUVI raises the efficacy of complex treatment of toxicoseptic forms of APDR, reduces 1.7-fold the terms of treatment, and reduces considerably the mortality rate of this disease in young children.

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PMID: 

Vestn Oftalmol. 2001 May-Jun;117(3):29-31. PMID: 11521432

Abstract Title: 

[Ultraviolet irradiation of blood in combined treatment of traumatic endophthalmitis].

Abstract: 

Thirty-five patients (35 eyes) with traumatic endophthalmitis were treated. Ultraviolet exposure of autoblood was used in 16 patients, the rest 19 were treated routinely (antibiotics, etc.). Use of ultraviolet exposure of the blood in combined therapy of traumatic endophthalmitis more rapidly (12.6 vs. 22.1 days) and effectively (93.7 vs. 68.4%) arrested intraocular infection and more often preserved the objective vision (31.3 vs. 10.5%).

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