scholarly journals Inulin and oligofructose as prebiotics in the prevention of intestinal infections and diseases

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bosscher ◽  
J. Van Loo ◽  
A. Franck

Health and wellbeing are challenged constantly by pathogens. A number of defence mechanisms exist to protect the body from pathogen colonisation and invasion, with an important role to play for the natural intestinal bacterial flora (mainly by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). The present paper reviews the evidence on the effects of inulin and oligofructose on colonisation and translocation of pathogens and the prevention of intestinal diseases. In vitro experiments have shown that lactic acid-producing bacteria have antagonistic (antibacterial) activity against pathogens partly because of the production of organic acids which are the endproducts of inulin and oligofructose fermentation. In addition, studies with epithelial layers have shown that inulin and oligofructose inhibit pathogen colonisation and that endproducts of their fermentation have the ability to support barrier function. Furthermore, studies in various animal models have shown that inulin and oligofructose accelerate the recovery of beneficial bacteria, slow down pathogen growth, decreasing pathogen colonisation and systemic translocation. Finally, data from human intervention trials either in patients with intestinal disorders or disease, or prone to critical illness, found that inulin and oligofructose restore the balance when the gut microbial community is altered, inhibit the progression of disease or prevent it from relapsing and/or developing. To conclude, the dietary use of inulin and oligofructose offers a promising approach to restore microbial communities and to support barrier function of the epithelia by their prebiotic action. This may offer the host protection against invasion and translocation of pathogens (endogenous and/or exogenous) and in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

Author(s):  
Li Chen ◽  
Xuan Huang ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Cencen Wang ◽  
Xu Tang ◽  
...  

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common complication caused by ovulatory stimulation therapy, which manifests as an increase in ovarian volume, an increase in the number of oocytes retrieved, and increased vascular permeability throughout the body and especially in ovarian tissue. In our previous study, we found that electroacupuncture (EA) could prevent the progression of OHSS, by mainly affecting ovary. However, the specific molecules and the mechanism of this process were still unknown. In order to explore the underlying mechanism, OHSS rat model was established and EA treatment was performed, which was followed by proteomic analysis of ovaries. Results showed a significant increase in the expression level of CD200 in the ovaries of OHSS group treated with EA than those of OHSS group. Clinical data showed that the level of CD200 in follicular fluid was negatively correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved and serum E2 level. Further in vitro experiments showed a concentration-dependent role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in reducing CD200 and CD200R levels, and increasing inflammatory cytokine levels in cultured KGN cells. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the vascular barrier function was improved by CM (cultural medium from KGN cell) which treated with CD200Fc (CD200R agonist). Meanwhile, the results of in vivo experiments indicated that EA reduced the number of ovarian corpora lutea, decreased inflammatory response, and improved the vascular barrier function by increasing the expression of CD200 and CD200R in rat ovaries. These findings suggest that EA treatment may reduce oocyte number and maintain vascular barrier against OHSS through ovarian anti-inflammatory response mediated by CD200. Therefore, this study is the first to identify CD200 as a main of EA in the ovary and elucidate the possible mechanism of EA on preventing and treating OHSS, which provide a scientific basis for CD200 as an effector and indicator in EA treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 09 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariush Minai-Tehrani

Background: Hydrogen peroxide is normally formed during the metabolic pathway of the body. It is a toxic compound for vital cells, which can oxidize many macromolecules and cause damage in cells. Catalase can degrade H2O2 in cells and prevent cell injury. Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor blocker which decreases the release of stomach acid and is used for gastrointestinal diseases. Cimetidine inhibited catalase by mixed inhibition. Objective: In this study, effect of temperature on the binding of cimetidine to human erythrocyte catalase was investigated and kinetic factors of the binding were determined. Results: Dixon plot confirmed the mixed type of inhibition and determined the Ki of the drug. Maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at 30oC. Arrhenius plot demonstrated that the activation energy of the enzyme reaction in the absence and presence of cimetidine was about 4.7 and 8.13 kJ/mol, respectively. Temperature coefficient (Q30-40) was determined as about 1.11 and 1.09 in the absence and presence of cimetidine. Conclusion: Cimetidine was able to increase the activation energy of the reaction of catalase, which confirmed the inhibition of the enzyme based on the kinetic results.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (2) ◽  
pp. G199-G208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Chen ◽  
Tadayuki Oshima ◽  
Jing Shan ◽  
Hirokazu Fukui ◽  
Jiro Watari ◽  
...  

Reflux of acid and bile acids contributes to epithelial tissue injury in gastro-esophageal reflux disease. However, the influence of refluxed material on human esophageal stratified epithelial barrier function and tight junction (TJ) proteins has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the influence of acid and bile acids on barrier function and TJ protein distribution using a newly developed air-liquid interface (ALI) in vitro culture model of stratified squamous epithelium based on primary human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs). Under ALI conditions, HEECs formed distinct epithelial layers on Transwell inserts after 7 days of culture. The epithelial layers formed TJ, and the presence of claudin-1, claudin-4, and occludin were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The NP-40-insoluble fraction of these TJ proteins was significantly higher by day 7 of ALI culture. Exposure of HEECs to pH 2, and taurocholic acid (TCA) and glycocholic acid (GCA) at pH 3, but not pH 4, for 1 h decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and increased paracellular permeability. Exposure of cell layers to GCA (pH 3) and TCA (pH 3) for 1 h also markedly reduced the insoluble fractions of claudin-1 and -4. We found that deoxycholic acid (pH 7.4 or 6, 1 h) and pepsin (pH 3, 24 h) significantly decreased TEER and increased permeability. Based on these findings, ALI-cultured HEECs represent a new in vitro model of human esophageal stratified epithelium and are suitable for studying esophageal epithelial barrier functions. Using this model, we demonstrated that acid, bile acids, and pepsin disrupt squamous epithelial barrier function partly by modulating TJ proteins. These results provide new insights into understanding the role of TJ proteins in esophagitis.


Author(s):  
V. I. Raitskaya

The drug Argovit developed in the LLC Vector-Vita Research and Production Center has antimicrobial and astringent properties, easily fits into the technology of housing farm animals and poultry in cases of uncomplicated colibacteriosis and is effective in isolated use, it is cheaper than other drugs, which makes it attractive in the modern market of biological products. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of the drug Argovit for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases of piglets in comparison with the basic drug Baitril used in the farm. Piglets of the experimental group (n=20) with the syndrome of gastrointestinal diseases have been treated with 1,0 % aqueous solution of the drug Argovit at a dose of 2 ml/kg of live weight 2 times a day until clinical recovery. The drug contributed to a lighter course and reduced the duration of the disease by half, while the livability of piglets reached 90,0 %. There was also a weakening of inflammatory processes in the body of piglets of both groups, which was characterized by the decrease in the level of leukocytes in piglets of the experimental group during treatment from 12,9±0,75 to 10,1±0,89×10⁹/l, and in the control group from 11,3±1,20 to 9,0±0,04×10⁹/l. The platelet content in animals at the beginning of the experiment was slightly higher than the lower limit of the norm in the experimental group by 1,8 %, in the control group by 4,7 %. At the same time, the restoration of homeostasis and the decrease in the level of protein in the blood serum have been observed. It has been found that the use of the drug Argovit to piglets during the suckling period and after weaning improves the morphological and biochemical parameters of blood due to the protective forces of protein by 4,7 %, reduces the phenomena of diarrhea, and as a result increases their livability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S132-S133
Author(s):  
G Lo Sasso ◽  
L Gijzen ◽  
D Marescotti ◽  
E Naumovska ◽  
E Raineri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background One of the major functions of the human intestine is to provide a protective epithelial barrier between the body and digestive environment. Additionally, the interplay of commensal microbes of the gut microbiome with the gut tissue and host immune system significantly contributes to intestinal homeostasis. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel diseases, are both associated with increased permeability of the epithelial barrier and dysregulated immune response. Great efforts have been made to develop both in vitro and in vivo models of the human intestine in order to understand the development and underlying pathogenesis of IBD. These efforts have provided valuable insights into multiple aspects of the disease. However, none of these models has been able to capture the complexity and multifactorial nature of IBD. Animal models generally fail to accurately predict the efficacy and toxicity of novel compounds in human tissues, while in vitro human intestinal models developed on porous membranes within Transwell inserts fail to accurately recapitulate and mimic key aspects of the in vivo situation. Methods Here, we present the development and characterisation of a 3D multicellular perfused intestine-on-a-chip model in a microfluidic platform, the OrganoPlate®, and its application for investigating intestinal inflammation. The model described here comprises a coculture of Caco-2 and mucus-secreting HT29-MTX cells in the top compartment of the chip and a coculture of immune-competent cells THP-1 and MUTZ-3 in the bottom compartment, lining a collagen-I ECM in the middle. Results We show that the Caco-2 and HT29-MTX coculture form confluent and polarised tubular structures against the collagen-I ECM in the OrganoPlate®, with a stable barrier function over time as well as the capability to secrete mucus. By exposing the cultures to TNFα and/or IL-1β, we were able to induce an inflammatory state, characterised by cytokine release (IL-8) and a decrease in trans-epithelial electrical resistance. Finally, we proved the applicability of the model in screening anti-inflammatory compounds by its reversibility. Using a well-known anti-inflammatory drug, TPCA-1, we were able to prevent cytokine-induced inflammation. This result was evident from the decreased secretion of IL-8 and retention of barrier function in treated cultures, similar to that observed in untreated cultures. Conclusion Overall, this complex 3D multicellular perfused intestine-on-a-chip model provides the versatile modularity of mimicking key features of intestinal inflammation and can, therefore, further support drug screening efforts and provide a platform for personalised medicine.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Schoultz ◽  
Åsa V. Keita

The intestinal barrier is essential in human health and constitutes the interface between the outside and the internal milieu of the body. A functional intestinal barrier allows absorption of nutrients and fluids but simultaneously prevents harmful substances like toxins and bacteria from crossing the intestinal epithelium and reaching the body. An altered intestinal permeability, a sign of a perturbed barrier function, has during the last decade been associated with several chronic conditions, including diseases originating in the gastrointestinal tract but also diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. This has led to an intensified interest from researchers with diverse backgrounds to perform functional studies of the intestinal barrier in different conditions. Intestinal permeability is defined as the passage of a solute through a simple membrane and can be measured by recording the passage of permeability markers over the epithelium via the paracellular or the transcellular route. The methodological tools to investigate the gut barrier function are rapidly expanding and new methodological approaches are being developed. Here we outline and discuss, in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo techniques and how these methods can be utilized for thorough investigation of the intestinal barrier.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-142
Author(s):  
Abdul Rahim Rahim

ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is a normal bacterial flora found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can also overgrow and invade under certain conditions, act as pathogenic bacteria that cause various diseases or disorders in the body, one of which is a respiratory tract infection. The cayenne pepper plant is widely used by people in the cayenne pepper fruit section as a spice ingredient in various traditional dishes, however, the cayenne pepper leaves are still not widely used. Cayenne pepper leaves contain saponin and phenol group compounds, namely flavonoids, which have inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The purpose of this study was to determine the most active fraction inhibiting the growth of staphylococcus aureus bacteria in vitro. It carried testing the antibacterial activity of the test plants out by the solid diffusion method. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract fraction from cayenne pepper leaves (Capsicum frutescent L.) Was the most active antibacterial fraction against staphylococcus aureus bacteria with a minimum inhibitory level (MIC) of 10% w / v with a very strong category.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Foster ◽  
T. Tompkins ◽  
W. Dahl

The probiotic preparation Lacidofil® has been commercially available in Europe, Asia and North America since 1995. This product is a combination of two strains, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011. The strains have been evaluated for safety, identity and mechanisms of probiotic action in vitro, in animal models and human clinical trials. The strains adhered to human epithelial cells, helped to maintain the barrier function and blocked the adhesion of a number of pathogens, allowing them to be cleared from the intestine. The strains also elicited an anti-inflammatory response by down-regulating IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α. In various stress models, the probiotic combination facilitated better coping and outcomes which may be through the maintenance of barrier function and suppressing inflammation. Overall, pre-clinical studies suggest a potential anti-infectious role for the strains and the combination. Clinical studies, primarily in children, have identified Lacidofil as an effective supplement for various gastrointestinal diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and acute gastroenteritis. Recent research has also indicated that Lacidofil may be beneficial for individuals with atopic dermatitis or vaginal dysbacteriosis.


Author(s):  
Dominique Kang ◽  
Clifford Ellgen ◽  
Erik Kulstad

Currently available data are consistent with increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication at temperatures encountered in the upper airways (25–33°C when breathing room temperature air, 25°C) compared to those in the lower airways (37°C). One factor that may contribute to more rapid viral growth in the upper airways is the exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 stability that occurs with reductions in temperature, as measured in vitro. Because SARS-CoV-2 frequently initiates infection in the upper airways before spreading through the body, increased upper airway viral growth early in the disease course may result in more rapid progression of disease and potentially contribute to more severe outcomes. Similarly, higher SARS-CoV-2 viral titer in the upper airways likely supports more efficient transmission. Conversely, the possible significance of air temperature to upper airway viral growth suggests that prolonged delivery of heated air might represent a preventative measure and prophylactic treatment for coronavirus disease 2019.


2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 6072-2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
SEBASTIAN GNAT ◽  
ROMAN DZIEDZIC ◽  
ANETA NOWAKIEWICZ ◽  
PRZEMYSŁAW ZIĘBA ◽  
ALEKSANDRA TROŚCIAŃCZYK ◽  
...  

Ruminants are a group of animals that process and assimilate their food in a unique manner. The functioning of the digestive tract of these animals is closely related to the abundance and composition of microbes in the forestomach, which is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Microorganisms present in the rumen, and in particular their effect on physiological processes in the body, influence the animal’s physical condition and state of health. Microbiological examination of rumen microbiota ecology is hindered by a lack of selective growth media, as well as by difficulties in isolating bacteria in vitro and accurately identifying them. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of food consumed by red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the diversity of their rumen microbiota. Microbes were compared in two study periods. In autumn the animals’ diet came exclusively from natural plant sources, while in winter, supplementary feeding was introduced, including specially prepared fodder. The study showed that in deer that did not receive the special fodder in winter, but only natural plant components, the abundance of bacterial flora decreased significantly compared with what it was in autumn, unlike in animals that did receive the fodder, whose composition and caloric value substantially increased the activity of rumen microbes. In winter, changes in proportions of different morphological forms of rumen bacteria were observed, as well as a decline in their total number, particularly in the animals that did not receive the pellets. A similar decline was also observed in the populations of yeasts and protozoa in winter. To sum up the results of the study, the use of the specially prepared high-calorie fodder in winter was shown to influence the rumen ecosystem of red deer. The most significant factor improving the condition of deer receiving supplementary fodder during this period is the stabilization of bacterial flora in the rumen, which directly contributes to the efficiency of digestion..


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