Modification of Immunological Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers, Mood Symptoms, and Well-Being Status in CFS Patients after Probiotic Intake: Observations from a Pilot Study

The present study discusses about the effects of a combination of probiotics able to stimulate the immune system of patients affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). To this purpose, patients diagnosed according to Fukuda’s criteria and treated with probiotics were analyzed by means of clinical and laboratory evaluations, before and after probiotic administrations. Probiotics were selected considering the possible pathogenic mechanisms of ME/CFS syndrome, which has been associated with an impaired immune response, dysregulation of Th1/Th2 ratio, and high oxidative stress with exhaustion of antioxidant reserve due to severe mitochondrial dysfunction. Immune and oxidative dysfunction could be related with the gastrointestinal (GI) chronic low-grade inflammation in the lamina propria and intestinal mucosal surface associated with dysbiosis, leaky gut, bacterial translocation, and immune and oxidative dysfunction. Literature data demonstrate that bacterial species are able to modulate the functions of the immune and oxidative systems and that the administration of some probiotics can improve mucosal barrier function, modulating the release of proinflammatory cytokines, in CFS/ME patients. This study represents a preliminary investigation to verifying the safety and efficacy of a certain combination of probiotics in CFS/ME patients. The results suggest that probiotics can modify the well-being status as well as inflammatory and oxidative indexes in CFS/ME patients. No adverse effects were observed except for one patient, which displayed a flare-up of symptoms, although all inflammatory parameters (i.e., cytokines, fecal calprotectin, ESR, and immunoglobulins) were reduced after probiotic intake. The reactivation of fatigue symptoms in this patient, whose clinical history reported the onset of CFS/ME following mononucleosis, could be related to an abnormal stimulation of the immune system as suggested by a recent study describing an exaggerated immune activation associated with chronic fatigue.

Download Full-text

The probiotic supplementation role in improving the immune system among people with ulcerative colitis: a narrative review

Drug Metabolism and Personalized Therapy ◽

10.1515/dmdi-2021-0150 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Lana M. Agraib ◽

Mohammed I. Yamani ◽

Yaser Mohammed Rayyan ◽

Awni Taleb Abu-Sneineh ◽

Tarek A. Tamimi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Immune System ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Inflammatory Factor ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current evidence on probiotics’ uses as an adjuvant for ulcerative colitis (UC) and provide an understanding of the effect of probiotics supplement on the immune system and inflammatory responses among UC patients and subsequent therapeutic benefits. Content A narrative review of all the relevant published papers known to the author was conducted. Summary UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that results in inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. The primary symptoms of active disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. About 70% of the human immune system (mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue) originates in the intestine. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help in stabilizing the gut microbiota (nonimmunologic gut defense), restores normal flora, and enhance the humoral immune system. Probiotics especially Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii, and lactic acid-producing bacteria have been used as an adjunct therapy for treating UC to ameliorate disease-related symptoms and reduce relapse rate. Probiotics, in general, modulate the immune system through their ability to enhance the mucosal barrier function, or through their interaction with the local immune system to enhance regulatory T cell responses, decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta and increase anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10. Outlook More studies are needed to explore the properties of the various probiotic bacterial strains, their different uses, as well as the dosage of probiotics and duration for treating different disorders. Further clinical investigations on mechanisms of action and how probiotics modulate the immune system may lead to further advances in managing IBD.

Download Full-text

Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Restoration in Mice by Maize Diet Containing Enriched Flavan-4-Ols

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12040896 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 896 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Binning Wu ◽

Rohil Bhatnagar ◽

Vijaya V. Indukuri ◽

Shara Chopra ◽

Kylie March ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Barrier Function ◽

Control Diet ◽

Intestinal Barrier ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Intestinal Barrier Function ◽

Low Grade ◽

Colonic Inflammation ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

Histology Score

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition, awaits safe and effective preventive strategies. Naturally occurring flavonoid compounds are promising therapeutic candidates against IBD due to their great antioxidant potential and ability to reduce inflammation and improve immune signaling mediators in the gut. In this study, we utilized two maize near-isogenic lines flavan-4-ols-containing P1-rr (F+) and flavan-4-ols-lacking p1-ww (F−) to investigate the anti-inflammatory property of flavan-4-ols against carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-induced low-grade colonic inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either 1% CMC (w/v) or water for a total of 15 weeks. After week six, mice on CMC treatment were divided into four groups. One group continued on the control diet. The second and third groups were supplemented with F+ at 15% or 25% (w/w). The fourth group received diet supplemented with F− at 15%. Here we report that mice consuming F+(15) and F+(25) alleviated CMC-induced increase in epididymal fat-pad, colon histology score, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 expression and intestinal permeability compared to mice fed with control diet and F−(15). F+(15) and F+(25) significantly enhanced mucus thickness in CMC exposed mice (p < 0.05). These data collectively demonstrated the protective effect of flavan-4-ol against colonic inflammation by restoring intestinal barrier function and provide a rationale to breed for flavan-4-ols enriched cultivars for better dietary benefits.

Download Full-text

Bioactive Nutrients and Nutrigenomics in Age-Related Diseases

10.20944/preprints201612.0099.v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Tania Rescigno ◽

Mario F. Tecce ◽

Anna Capasso

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Immune System ◽

Aging Process ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Low Grade ◽

Molecular Processes ◽

Ample Evidence ◽

Inflammatory Status ◽

Age Related

The increase in the average lifespan and the consequent proportional growth of the elderly segment of society has furthered the interest in studying ageing processes. Ageing may be considered a multifactorial process derived from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors including lifestyle. There is ample evidence in many species that the maximum age attainable (maximum lifespan potential, MLSP) is genetically determined and several mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms are associated with longevity. Many studies have shown that most of the phenotypic characteristics observed in the aging process are the result of the occurrence, with age, of a low grade chronic pro-inflammatory status called "inflammaging", partially under genetic control. The term indicate that aging is accompanied by a low degree of chronic inflammatory, an up-regulation of inflammatory response and that inflammatory changes are common to many age-related diseases. Therefore, the theory of oxidation-inflammation was proposed as the main cause of aging. Accordingly, the chronic oxidative stress, that appears with age, affects all cells and especially those of the regulatory systems, such as the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems and the communication between them. This prevents an adequate homeostasis and, therefore, the preservation of health. It was also proposed that the immune system plays a key role in the aging process, specifically in the rate of aging, since there is a relationship between the redox state and functional capacity of immune cells and longevity of individuals. Moreover, the role of the immune system in senescence could be of universal application. A confirmation of the central role of the immune system in oxi-inflamm-aging is that the administrationintake? of adequate amounts of antioxidants in the diet improves immune function, decreases their oxidative stress, and consequently increases longevity. The promotion of healthy lifestyles is one of the major goals of governments and international agencies all over the world. Human molecular processes are influenced by both physiological pathways and exogenous factors which include, for instance, those originating from diet. Dietary intake has substantive effects on molecular processes of metabolic health. Nutrients can directly regulate physiological changes in human body. In fact, in addition to have an energetic and structural value, nutritional intake provides bioactive molecules which are selectively able to modulate specific metabolic pathways, noticeably affecting cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases development or progress. Numerous bioactive nutrients are being progressively identified and their chemopreventive effects are being described at clinical and molecular mechanism levels. Systematic analyses comprise all “omics” technologies (such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) and the goal is to investigate bioactive molecules effects derived from the diet. Nutrigenomic knowledge on physiologic status and disease risk will provide both developments of better diagnostic procedures and of new therapeutic strategies specifically targeted on nutritionally relevant processes. The present review was aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying beneficial effects of bioactive nutrients and nutrigenomics on age-related diseases.

Download Full-text

Early nutritional environment: focus on health effects of microbiota and probiotics

Beneficial Microbes ◽

10.3920/bm2010.0045 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 383-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

K. Laitinen ◽

M. Collado ◽

E. Isolauri

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Health Effects ◽

Life Style ◽

Maternal Nutrition ◽

Well Being ◽

Low Grade ◽

Critical Periods ◽

Female Population

Balanced maternal nutrition during pregnancy ensures both the growth and development of the foetus and the well-being of the mother. Recent evidence supports the programming theory, which envisages long-lasting effects on later risk of chronic life-style-related diseases by early nutrition. The increasing problem of overweight, affecting almost half of the female population in Western societies, sets off adverse programming effects in the offspring manifested in subsequent health effects. To combat this problem, new tools involving life-style modifications are being actively sought to increment the traditional approaches. Immunonutrition, the ability of nutrients to influence the activities of cells in the immune system, may be one answer in combating low-grade systemic inflammation, the key underlying determinant in the obesity epidemic. Further, microbial compounds possess immunomodulatory properties which may be utilised to improve immune responses in clinically meaningful ways. Aberrant microbiota compositions have been detected during critical periods when early programming occurs, including pregnancy and infancy. Such alterations may regulate the health of the infant and the risk of subsequent disease, as demonstrated by the divergence in gut microbiota composition between healthy and overweight individuals. It may thus be hypothesised that the composition of the gut microbiota could be used as a target for intervention. Probiotics interact with the mucosal immune system via the same pathways as commensal bacteria to influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. In consequence, interventions with immunomodulatory diets, including certain nutrients and probiotics, may be critical in coordinating the adaptive function necessary for the formation of tolerance and thus in the prevention of undesirable metabolic consequences.

Download Full-text

2′-Fucosyllactose Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Damage in d-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota and AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO1 Pathway

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods11020151 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 151

Author(s):

Jin Wang ◽

Jia-Qiang Hu ◽

Yu-Jie Song ◽

Jia Yin ◽

Yuan-Yi-Fei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

The Elderly ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Related Factor ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function ◽

Gut Mucosal Barrier ◽

Stress Damage

The imbalance of reactive oxygen species is the main cause in aging, accompanied by oxidative stress. As the most abundant in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) has been confirmed to have great properties in immunity regulation and anti-inflammatory. The research on 2′-FL is focused on infants currently, while there is no related report of 2′-FL for the elderly. A d-galactose-induced accelerated aging model was established to explore the protective effect of 2′-FL on the intestines and brain in mice. In this study, 2′-FL significantly reduced oxidative stress damage and inflammation in the intestines of aging mice, potentially by regulating the sirtuin1 (SIRT1)-related and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. In addition, 2′-FL significantly improved the gut mucosal barrier function and increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestine. The gut microbiota analysis indicated that 2′-FL mainly increased the abundance of probiotics like Akkermansia in aging mice. Moreover, 2′-FL significantly inhibited apoptosis in the brains of aging mice, also increasing the expression of SIRT1. These findings provided a basis for learning the benefits of 2′-FL in the aging process.

Download Full-text

A REVIEW ON APPLICATIONS OF PROBIOTICS IN HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.32553/jbpr.v8i1.578 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yasaman Pakdaman

Keyword(s):

Lactic Acid ◽

Immune System ◽

Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽

Human Health ◽

Bifidobacterium Longum ◽

New Drugs ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Marine Microorganisms ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function ◽

Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea

The emergence of resistance and tolerance to the existing drugs has created a decreased efficacy of these drugs in use. Along with the advancement in other fields of medicine, the problem of resistance has been tried to be overcome by increasing the drug delivery to the target site by the use of polymers or through nanotechnology, synthesis of new drugs, either by the use of proteomics or synthesis from lactic acid bacteria, or marine microorganisms. Recent research has revealed a potential therapeutic role for the manipulation of the microbiota in the maintenance of human health and treatment of various mucosal disorders. Probiotic microorganisms can shape the immune system both at the local and systemic level which will allow future probiotics as treatments for many diseases. The benefits include either a shortened duration of infections or decreased susceptibility to pathogens. Probiotic bacteria have multiple and various influences onthe host. Different organisms can influence the intestinal luminal environment, epithelial and mucosal barrier function, and the mucosal immune system. The numerous cell types affected by probiotics involve epithelial cells, dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages, B cells, T cells. Probiotics do not always colonize the intestinal tract to exert their effects. Some probiotics like Bifidobacterium longum become part of the human intestinal microflora, whereas others like Lactobacillus casei indirectly exert their effects in a transient manner as they pass through by remodeling or influencing the existing microbial community. Probiotics seem to have promising role in shortening duration of infections or decreasing susceptibility to the pathogens. Incorporation of probiotics in nutrition as a means of derivation of health benefits. The best documented effects include bowel disorders such as lactose intolerance, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea, emerging evidence accumulates concerning their potential role in various other conditions. In the same time as relevant consumer awareness grows, such products are becoming increasingly popular and tend to represent one of the largest functional food markets. Key words: probiotics, Antibiotic associated diarrhea, microorganisms, Antibiotic resistance, Lactic acid bacteria.

Download Full-text

The Role of Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Microbiome Dysbiosis in Colorectal Cancer Development

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.626349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Flavia Genua ◽

Vedhika Raghunathan ◽

Mazda Jenab ◽

William M. Gallagher ◽

David J. Hughes

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Colorectal Carcinogenesis ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Colonic Epithelium ◽

Barrier Dysfunction ◽

Gut Barrier ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function ◽

And Oxidative Stress

Accumulating evidence indicates that breakdown of the+ protective mucosal barrier of the gut plays a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the colonic epithelium are thought to be involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and the breakdown of the integrity of the colonic barrier may increase the exposure of colonocytes to toxins from the colonic milieu, enhancing inflammatory processes and release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The aetiological importance of the gut microbiome and its composition – influenced by consumption of processed meats, red meats and alcoholic drinks, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity - in CRC development is also increasingly being recognized. The gut microbiome has diverse roles, such as in nutrient metabolism and immune modulation. However, microbial encroachment towards the colonic epithelium may promote inflammation and oxidative stress and even translocation of species across the colonic lumen. Recent research suggests that factors that modify the above mechanisms, e.g., obesity and Western diet, also alter gut microbiota, degrade the integrity of the gut protective barrier, and expose colonocytes to toxins. However, it remains unclear how obesity, lifestyle and metabolic factors contribute to gut-barrier integrity, leading to metabolic disturbance, colonocyte damage, and potentially to CRC development. This review will discuss the interactive roles of gut-barrier dysfunction, microbiome dysbiosis, and exposure to endogenous toxins as another mechanism in CRC development, and how biomarkers of colonic mucosal barrier function may provide avenues for disease, prevention and detection.

Download Full-text

The Association Between Vitamin C Deficiency and Metabolic Syndrome Among Patients Who Developed Kidney Disease

10.20944/preprints202105.0637.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ayenew Negesse ◽

Beminet Moges ◽

Tigest kebede ◽

Abiy Kifle ◽

Dagim Alemayehu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Kidney Diseases ◽

Well Being ◽

Low Grade ◽

Metabolic Abnormalities ◽

The Us

Introduction: Elevated albuminuria is an important outcome of diabetic complications and metabolic syndrome (MetS), the complex metabolic abnormalities manifested as glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and enlarged waist circumference. These coexisting cardio-metabolic abnormalities are also associated with oxidative stress and low grade inflammation. Vitamin C (vitC) has long been recognized as hydrophilic antioxidant and blocker of oxidative stress which also has a protective role of MetS and kidney disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the predictive effect of vitC deficiency on kidney disease among patients who developed metabolic syndrome. Method and procedures: To meet this objective, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 data were used. NHANES represents the civilian, non-institutionalized US population data implemented for continuous system of monitoring health, nutritional status and well-being in the US. The predictive power of MetS on AU and vitC deficiency (vitC < 0.25 mg/dl) as effect modifier was assessed with binary logistic regression. Age, gender, race and BMI were used as covariates. Results: Among the respondents, 1.9% of the US population had risk of kidney damage, whereas 14.5 % of respondents had MetS. MetS was significantly positively correlated with AU (p < 0.01). Higher elevation of albuminuria creatinine ratio (ACR) was found in participants with VCD. The regression models developed in this study showed that the severity of kidney disease measured by ACR was increased among individuals who developed both VCD and MetS compared with individuals who developed MetS only (AOR=5.53; 95% CI: 2.73, 11.21). Increasing age and being African-American in race were independently associated with elevated AU. Conclusion: Specific considerations tailored to metabolic syndrome, vitamin C and kidney diseases measured by ACR screening and monitoring mechanisms at the community level is critical to tackle further medical complications. Moreover, the role of VitC fortified foods on prevention of kidney diseases among patients with MetS warrant further investigation.

Download Full-text

The Role of Immune Cells in Oxi-Inflamm-Aging

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10112974 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2974

Author(s):

Irene Martínez de Toda ◽

Noemi Ceprián ◽

Estefanía Diaz-Del Cerro ◽

Mónica De la Fuente

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Immune System ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Low Grade ◽

Inflammatory Stress ◽

Immune Systems ◽

Age Related ◽

Chronic Oxidative Stress ◽

Inflammatory State

Aging is the result of the deterioration of the homeostatic systems (nervous, endocrine, and immune systems), which preserve the organism’s health. We propose that the age-related impairment of these systems is due to the establishment of a chronic oxidative stress situation that leads to low-grade chronic inflammation throughout the immune system’s activity. It is known that the immune system weakens with age, which increases morbidity and mortality. In this context, we describe how the function of immune cells can be used as an indicator of the rate of aging of an individual. In addition to this passive role as a marker, we describe how the immune system can work as a driver of aging by amplifying the oxidative-inflammatory stress associated with aging (oxi-inflamm-aging) and inducing senescence in far tissue cells. Further supporting our theory, we discuss how certain lifestyle conditions (such as social environment, nutrition, or exercise) can have an impact on longevity by affecting the oxidative and inflammatory state of immune cells, regulating immunosenescence and its contribution to oxi-inflamm-aging.

Download Full-text

Monitoring immune modulation by nutrition in the general population: identifying and substantiating effects on human health

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114513001505 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 110 (S2) ◽

pp. S1-S30 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Ruud Albers ◽

Raphaëlle Bourdet-Sicard ◽

Deborah Braun ◽

Philip C. Calder ◽

Udo Herz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

General Population ◽

Immune Function ◽

Human Health ◽

Immune Modulation ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Well Being ◽

Low Grade ◽

Guidance Document ◽

Stepwise Approach

Optimal functioning of the immune system is crucial to human health, and nutrition is one of the major exogenous factors modulating different aspects of immune function. Currently, no single marker is available to predict the effect of a dietary intervention on different aspects of immune function. To provide further guidance on the assessment and interpretation of the modulation of immune functions due to nutrition in the general population, International Life Sciences Institute Europe commissioned a group of experts from academia, government and the food industry to prepare a guidance document. A draft of this paper was refined at a workshop involving additional experts. First, the expert group defined criteria to evaluate the usefulness of immune function markers. Over seventy-five markers were scored within the context of three distinct immune system functions: defence against pathogens; avoidance or mitigation of allergy; control of low-grade (metabolic) inflammation. The most useful markers were subsequently classified depending on whether they by themselves signify clinical relevance and/or involvement of immune function. Next, five theoretical scenarios were drafted describing potential changes in the values of markers compared with a relevant reference range. Finally, all elements were combined, providing a framework to aid the design and interpretation of studies assessing the effects of nutrition on immune function. This stepwise approach offers a clear rationale for selecting markers for future trials and provides a framework for the interpretation of outcomes. A similar stepwise approach may also be useful to rationalise the selection and interpretation of markers for other physiological processes critical to the maintenance of health and well-being.

Download Full-text