scholarly journals A Pilot Study of the Effect of Lactobacillus casei Obtained from Long-Lived Elderly on Blood Biochemical, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Markers, and on Gut Microbiota in Young Volunteers

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3891
Author(s):  
Li-Hua Mei ◽  
Wen-Xuan Zheng ◽  
Zheng-Tao Zhao ◽  
Ning Meng ◽  
Qin-Ren Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Lactobacillus Casei ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Blood Biochemical ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blood Biochemical Indicators

Probiotic intake has been shown to improve certain physiological health indicators. We aimed to examine effects of Lactobacillus casei LTL1879, obtained from long-lived elderly volunteers, on blood biochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in twenty healthy, young volunteers. Volunteers were randomly divided into equal probiotic and placebo groups and changes in blood biochemical indicators, oxidative and inflammatory markers, and gut microbiota were examined after three weeks of probiotic intervention. The probiotic group’s antioxidant levels were significantly enhanced post-intervention. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (p < 0.05), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels increased, but with no significant difference. In addition, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated (p < 0.05, respectively). Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while Clostridium leptum, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus expression increased (p < 0.05). Volunteer health status was quantified using principal components and cluster analysis, indicating that the probiotic group’s overall score was higher than that of the placebo group. The results of this pilot study suggest L. casei LTL 1879 can significantly improve specific immune, oxidative, and gut microbiota characteristics related to health factors.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Rizzo Gnatta ◽  
Patricia Petrone Piason ◽  
Cristiane de Lion Botero Couto Lopes ◽  
Noemi Marisa Brunet Rogenski ◽  
Maria Júlia Paes da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Temperature Method ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perception Of Self ◽  
Cutaneous Application

Objective: To verify if the use of ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application or inhalation alters the anxiety and self-esteem perception and physiological parameters as blood pressure and temperature. Method : A pilot study with 34 professionals from a nursing group randomized in three groups: one received the ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application, the second received through inhalation and the third (placebo) received the ylang ylang essence through cutaneous application. The assessment was done by an Anxiety Inventory (IDATE) and the Dela Coleta self-esteem scale, applied on baseline, after 30, 60 and 90 days and after 15 days post-intervention (follow up). Results : In the pre and post-intervention intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in self-esteem for the three groups (p values: G1=0.014; G2=0.016; G3=0.038). There were no differences in the analysis between groups for anxiety or for physiological parameters. Conclusion : It was found significant alterations only to the intergroup perception of self-esteem for the three groups.


scholarly journals Effects of tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor exposure on the oral and gut microbiota in humans: a pilot study

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Stewart ◽  
Thomas A. Auchtung ◽  
Nadim J. Ajami ◽  
Kenia Velasquez ◽  
Daniel P. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Buccal Swabs ◽  
Significant Difference

BackgroundThe use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has increased drastically over the past five years, primarily as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the adverse effects of acute and long-term use of ECs on the microbiota have not been explored. In this pilot study, we sought to determine if ECs or tobacco smoking alter the oral and gut microbiota in comparison to non-smoking controls.MethodsWe examined a human cohort consisting of 30 individuals: 10 EC users, 10 tobacco smokers, and 10 controls. We collected cross-sectional fecal, buccal swabs, and saliva samples from each participant. All samples underwent V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsTobacco smoking had a significant effect on the bacterial profiles in all sample types when compared to controls, and in feces and buccal swabs when compared to EC users. The most significant associations were found in the gut, with an increased relative abundance ofPrevotella(P= 0.006) and decreasedBacteroides(P= 0.036) in tobacco smokers. The Shannon diversity was also significantly reduced (P= 0.009) in fecal samples collected from tobacco smokers compared to controls. No significant difference was found in the alpha diversity, beta-diversity or taxonomic relative abundances between EC users and controls.DiscussionFrom a microbial ecology perspective, the current pilot data demonstrate that the use of ECs may represent a safer alternative compared to tobacco smoking. However, validation in larger cohorts and greater understanding of the short and long-term impact of EC use on microbiota composition and function is warranted.

scholarly journals Effect of vitamin D supplementation on selected inflammatory biomarkers in older adults: a secondary analysis of data from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Waterhouse ◽  
Bich Tran ◽  
Peter R. Ebeling ◽  
Dallas R. English ◽  
Robyn M. Lucas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractObservational studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with inflammatory markers. Most trials reporting significant associations between vitamin D intake and inflammatory markers used specific patient groups. Thus, we aimed to determine the effect of supplementary vitamin D using secondary data from a population-based, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (Pilot D-Health trial 2010/0423). Participants were 60- to 84-year-old residents of one of the four eastern states of Australia. They were randomly selected from the electoral roll and were randomised to one of three trial arms: placebo (n 214), 750 μg (n 215) or 1500 μg (n 215) vitamin D3, each taken once per month for 12 months. Post-intervention blood samples for the analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, leptin and adiponectin levels were available for 613 participants. Associations between intervention group and biomarker levels were evaluated using quantile regression. There were no statistically significant differences in distributions of CRP, leptin, adiponectin, leptin:adiponectin ratio or IL-10 levels between the placebo group and either supplemented group. The 75th percentile IL-6 level was 2·8 pg/ml higher (95 % CI 0·4, 5·8 pg/ml) in the 1500 μg group than in the placebo group (75th percentiles:11·0 v. 8·2 pg/ml), with a somewhat smaller, non-significant difference in 75th percentiles between the 750 μg and placebo groups. Despite large differences in serum 25(OH)D levels between the three groups after 12 months of supplementation, we found little evidence of an effect of vitamin D supplementation on cytokine or adipokine levels, with the possible exception of IL-6.

Lactobacillus Casei DG® in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Not Only a Change of the Gut Microbiota. A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 152 (5) ◽  
pp. S819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Bertani ◽  
Dario Gambaccini ◽  
Andrea Pancetti ◽  
Simone Guglielmetti ◽  
Francesca Mastorci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Lactobacillus Casei ◽  
Irritable Bowel

scholarly journals A pilot study to determine the feasibility of a cluster randomised controlled trial of an intervention to change peer attitudes towards children who stutter

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizwana B. Mallick ◽  
Lehana Thabane ◽  
A.S.M. Borhan ◽  
Harsha Kathard
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Peer Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
And Control

Background: While randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard of research, prior study is needed to determine the feasibility of a future large-scale RCT study. Objectives: This pilot study, therefore, aimed to determine feasibility of an RCT by exploring: (1) procedural issues and (2) treatment effect of the Classroom Communication Resource (CCR), an intervention for changing peer attitudes towards children who stutter. Method: A pilot cluster stratified RCT design was employed whereby the recruitment took place first at school-level and then at individual level. The dropout rate was reported at baseline, 1 and 6 months post-intervention. For treatment effect, schools were the unit of randomisation and were randomised to receive either the CCR intervention administered by teachers or usual practice, using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The stuttering resource outcomes measure (SROM) measured treatment effect at baseline, 1 and 6 months post-intervention overall and within the constructs (positive social distance, social pressure and verbal interaction). Results: For school recruitment, 11 schools were invited to participate and 82% (n = 9) were recruited. Based on the school recruitment, N = 610 participants were eligible for this study while only n = 449 were recruited, where there was n = 183 in the intervention group and n = 266 in the control group. The dropout rate from recruitment to baseline was as follows: intervention, 23% (n = 34), and control, 6% (n = 15). At 1 month a dropout rate of 7% (n = 10) was noted in the intervention and 6% (n = 15) in the control group, whereas at 6 months, dropout rates of 7% (n = 10) and 17% (n = 44) were found in the intervention and control groups, respectively. For treatment effect on the SROM, the estimated mean differences between intervention and control groups were (95% Confidence Interval (CI): -1.07, 5.11) at 1 month and 3.01 (95% CI: -0.69, 6.69) at 6 months. A statistically significant difference was observed at 6 months on the VI subscale of the SROM, with 1.35 (95% CI: 0.58, 2.13). Conclusion: A high recruitment rate of schools and participants was observed with a high dropout rate of participants. Significant differences were only noted at 6 months post-intervention within one of the constructs of the SROM. These findings suggest that a future RCT study is warranted and feasible.

From probiotics to psychobiotics – the gut-brain axis in psychiatric disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 717-732
Author(s):  
A. Zagórska ◽  
M. Marcinkowska ◽  
M. Jamrozik ◽  
B. Wiśniowska ◽  
P. Paśko
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference

This review aims to present a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of the bidirectional crosstalk between gut microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS). The literature concerning the potential effects of gut microbiota on psychiatric disorders through neural pathways comprising the ‘gut-brain axis’ were gathered. In addition, the influence of probiotics and prebiotics and dairy-rich diets combined with the intake of probiotics and prebiotics on gut microbiota and the subsequent relationship with brain function was reviewed. However, a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation in psychiatric disorders is lacking. Therefore, a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 1969 to December 2019 was conducted. It led to the identification of a total of 844 research articles. Of these, a total of 23 studies met the meta-analysis criteria. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the symptoms of schizophrenia, stress, and anxiety between probiotic and placebo groups, post-intervention. Probiotic administration reduced depressive symptoms among patients with depression in a statistically significant manner (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.87; 95% confidence interval (95% confidence interval): -1.66, -0.99; P=0.03). Further evidence from larger and more rigorous studies with longer duration of probiotic administration, as well as well-defined populations, homogenous probiotic intervention and outcome measures, are needed to clarify the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics on psychiatric symptoms. Based on the current literature, it seems that not all probiotic-/prebiotic-/dairy-rich diet-based treatments exhibited a psychobiotic effect on the CNS. Among the parameters determining the success of the given treatment, the most significant were probiotic composition (multi-strain formulation), the quantity of ingested psychobiotics and the duration of the study.

scholarly journals Plasma lipocalin-2/NGAL is stable over 12 weeks and is not modulated by exercise or dieting

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Nakai ◽  
Joshua Denham ◽  
Priscilla R. Prestes ◽  
Nina Eikelis ◽  
Elisabeth A. Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Lipocalin 2 ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Diet And Exercise ◽  
Post Menopausal

AbstractAmongst other immune cells, neutrophils play a key role in systemic inflammation leading to cardiovascular disease and can release inflammatory factors, including lipocalin-2 (LCN2). LCN2 drives cardiac hypertrophy and plays a role in maladaptive remodelling of the heart and has been associated with renal injury. While lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are known to attenuate low-grade inflammation, their ability to modulate plasma LCN2 levels is unknown. Forty-eight endurance athletes and 52 controls (18–55 years) underwent measurement for various cardiovascular health indicators, along with plasma LCN2 concentration. No significant difference in LCN2 concentration was seen between the two groups. LCN2 was a very weak predictor or absent from models describing blood pressures or predicting athlete status. In another cohort, 57 non-diabetic overweight or obese men and post-menopausal women who fulfilled Adult Treatment Panel III metabolic syndrome criteria were randomly allocated into either a control, modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, or DASH and exercise group. Pre- and post-intervention demographic, cardiovascular health indicators, and plasma LCN2 expression were measured in each individual. While BMI fell in intervention groups, LCN2 levels remained unchanged within and between all groups, as illustrated by strong correlations between LCN2 concentrations pre- and 12 weeks post-intervention (r = 0.743, P < 0.0001). This suggests that circulating LCN2 expression are stable over a period of at least 12 weeks and is not modifiable by diet and exercise.

Probiotics diminish the post-operatory pain following mandibular third molar extraction: a randomised double-blind controlled trial (pilot study)

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
E. Ferrés-Amat ◽  
J. Espadaler-Mazo ◽  
J.L. Calvo-Guirado ◽  
E. Ferrés-Amat ◽  
J. Mareque-Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Third Molar ◽  
Third Molar Surgery ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Significant Difference

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic in preventing infections after third molar surgery. Thirty-eight patients were consecutively enrolled to a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Patients were asked to take one tablet two times a day containing a mixture of Levilactobacillus brevis CECT7480 (KABP-052) and Lactoplantibacillus plantarum CECT7481 (KABP-051) or placebo for the first post-intervention week. The primary outcome was the postoperative infection rate. Secondary outcomes included swelling, eating difficulties and postoperative pain recorded by the patient using a visual analogue scale (VAS) during the first postoperative week. No statistically significant difference in the infection rate between the groups was found; with only three cases of infections reported (one in the probiotic group and two in the placebo group) on the first week. Compared to placebo, treatment with the probiotic showed a significantly higher reduction in pain and eating difficulties scores at 5, 6 and 7 days post-surgery. Swelling values were not significantly different between the groups at any time point. The findings of this pilot study justify a larger study to clarify the possible role of these bacterial strains on the post-operative pain management following third molar surgery.

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