The establishment of balanced intestinal microbial flora bears importance in maintaining the well-being of the human host. In this context, probiotics improving the intestinal microflora confer a beneficial effect on human health when ingested as live microorganisms. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are mainly used as probiotics in the pharmaceuticals or functional foods. On review of the papers published in the scientific journals, prophylactic use of probiotics was promising in reducing both the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates, alleviating rotavirus infection and preventing the atopy symptoms in children. The efficacy of the probiotics with respect to the inflammatory disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are being studied. Analysis of the various cytokines and immune markers are being conducted to understand the mechanism of action of the probiotics related to allergy and inflammation. More clinical studies are needed based on appropriate and well-conducted trials with known strains and doses since the efficacy varies depending on the specific probiotic strains or doses. Some of the species or strains distributed in probiotic markets raised some safety concerns such as causing human infections or transmitting antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore continued efforts to improve strain characteristics with respect to the efficacy through evidence-based human studies and evaluation of the safety are desired.
Bifidobacterium ; Biomarkers ; Child ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease ; Cytokines ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Functional Food ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Inflammation ; Lactobacillus ; Probiotics* ; Rotavirus Infections

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-allergic effects of intragastric treatment with various strains of lactobacillus, we undertook this study in the murine model of peanut allergy. METHODS: Ten groups of mice were sensitized and boosted with 1 mg/dose of crude peanut intragastricly at day 1, 2, 3, 7 and 21. Also, each groups of mice was treated with various strains of lactobacillus or PBS starting on the 1st day of sensitization, for 3 weeks daily. During the experiment, peanut specific serum IgE, IgG1, IgG2a were measured at weekly intervals, and compared at week four which is one week after the end of lactobacillus treatment. RESULTS: By treatment with various strains of lactobacillus, peanut specific IgE levels were decreased in all treated groups of mice compared to sham-treated mice. And at least six of the 10 groups of mice treated with various strains of L. casei or L. acidophilus showed remarkable down-regulatory effects on the production of peanut specific IgE antibodies, while the regulatory effects on specific IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies were variable. Especially, L. casei IBS041 showed harmonized regulatory effect on the productions of peanut specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a. CONCLUSION: We selected and partly confirmed several strains of lactobacillus which showed anti-allergic effects in the production of antigen specific IgE in the murine model of peanut allergy.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Lactobacillus* ; Mice ; Peanut Hypersensitivity*

This study aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of rare sugars on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in the presence of sucrose. Xylitol and three rare sugars (D-xylose, D-lyxose and D-mannose) were used in this study. S. mutans KCTC 3065 was cultured in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium containing xylitol, D-xylose, D-lyxose, or D-mannose in the presence of sucrose, and the effect on S. mutans growth was assessed by measuring solution turbidity at different time points after inoculation. To assess effects on pH, sucrose was added at different concentrations, and solution pH was measured at different time points after inoculation. All sugars significantly inhibited the growth of S. mutans in the presence of sucrose. Especially, D-lyxose and D-mannose exhibited significantly greater inhibition than that of xylitol. Furthermore, unlike D-lyxose, D-mannose significantly inhibited the decrement of pH, and its effect was greater than that of xylitol. Taken together, D-mannose has strong inhibitory effect on S. mutans in the presence of sucrose.
Brain ; Carbohydrates ; Dental Caries ; Heart ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mannose* ; Streptococcus mutans* ; Streptococcus* ; Sucrose* ; Xylitol ; Xylose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an immune disorder that is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. The exact etiology of AD remains unknown, and a cure for AD is not currently available. The hypothesis that appropriate early microbial stimulation contributes to the establishment of a balanced immune system in terms of T helper type Th1, Th2, and regulatory T cell (Treg) responses has led to the use of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of AD in light of various human clinical studies and animal experiments. Meta-analysis data suggests that probiotics can alleviate the symptoms of AD in infants. The effects of balancing Th1/Th2 immunity and enhancing Treg activity via the interaction of probiotics with dendritic cells have been described in vitro and in animal models, although such an effect has not been demonstrated in human studies. In this review, we present some highlights of the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in humans and animal studies with regard to their effects on the prevention of AD.
Animal Experimentation ; Animals ; Dendritic Cells ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Immune System ; Immune System Diseases ; Immunomodulation ; Infant ; Light ; Models, Animal ; Probiotics

We have investigated the effect of various forms of phosphodiester cytidine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with the CpG ODNs increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase but not interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). We also investigated the effect of CpG ODNs on the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) genes which are known to facilitate cholesterol efflux from macrophages for anti-atherosclerosis. CpG 2006 significantly reduced the levels of ABCG1 mRNA as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas ABCA1 mRNA level was not changed. Western blot analysis further confirmed the reduction of ABCG1 protein expression by CpG 2006. In addition, we also determined the protein level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which is recognized as a transcriptional activator of ABC transporters, was also reduced by CpG 2006. Thus, these results suggest that ABCG1 is specifically down-regulated by CpG 2006 in a PPARgamma-dependent manner in macrophages.
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/drug effects/genetics/*metabolism ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis/metabolism ; Cholesterol/metabolism ; Cytokines/drug effects/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Inflammation/*metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta/drug effects/metabolism ; Interleukin-6/metabolism ; Lipoproteins/drug effects/genetics/*metabolism ; Macrophages/*cytology/*metabolism ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide Synthase/drug effects/metabolism ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/*pharmacology ; PPAR gamma/genetics/*metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/drug effects/metabolism

The leukocyte recruitment and transmigration across the endothelial barrier into the vessel wall are crucial steps in atherosclerosis. Leukocyte trafficking on the endothelium is elicited by induction of endothelial adhesion molecules, and its transmigration is mediated by degradation of basement membrane proteins through enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). The current study investigated whether resveratrol, a polyphenol present in grapes and red wine, was capable of inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-activated endothelium. It was found that resveratrol inhibited the TNF-alpha-activated endothelial expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, resveratrol hampered THP-1 monocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells. This study further examined whether resveratrol interfered with transendothelial migration of leukocytes. The MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity of endothelial cells was enhanced by TNF-alpha, which was attenuated by an addition of > or =25 micrometer resveratrol. In addition, 25 micrometer resveratrol mitigated the MMP-9 activity of THP-1 cells, followed by a marked inhibition of transendothelial migration. These results demonstrated that resveratrol suppressed monocyte adhesion and migration induced by TNF-alpha through modulating expression of adhesion molecules and gelatinolytic activity of MMP. These findings suggest that dietary resveratrol may be therapeutic agent for inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the subendothelium during inflammatory atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis ; Basement Membrane ; Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium ; Leukocytes ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; Monocytes* ; Necrosis* ; Transendothelial and Transepithelial Migration ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Vitis ; Wine

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a troublesome disease. Some strains of probiotics reportedly exert remarkable immunomodulatory effects, and so we designed a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study to assess their effects in Korean adults with IBS. METHODS: IBS patients who met Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to receive composite probiotics or placebo. A total of 20 billion lyophilized bacteria were administered twice daily for 8 weeks. Primary outcome variables were symptom scores consisting of abdominal pain, flatulence, defecation discomfort, and sum of symptom scores. A visual analogue scale was used to quantify the severity. Secondary outcome variables consisted of the quality of life and bowel habits including defecation frequency and stool form. RESULTS: Thirty-six and 34 patients were randomized to the probiotics and placebo groups, respectively. Intention- to-treat analysis showed significant reductions in pain after 8 weeks of treatment: -31.9 and -17.7 in the probiotics and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.045). The reductions in abdominal pain, defecation discomfort, and sum of scores were more significant in 58 patients with a score of at least 3 on the baseline stool-form scale. CONCLUSIONS: Composite probiotics containing Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4, Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031, and other species are safe and effective, especially in patients who excrete normal or loose stools.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Bacteria ; Bifidobacterium ; Defecation ; Flatulence ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; Lactobacillus acidophilus ; Probiotics ; Prospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Rome

Emerging evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases in dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on various inflammatory parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Twenty-two patients with maintenance HD were enrolled. These patients were treated twice a day with 2.0 ×1010 colony forming units of a combination of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI for 3 months. The microbiome and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed. The percentages of CD14+ CD16+ proinflammatory monocytes and CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) before and after probiotic supplementation were determined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of calprotectin and cytokine responses upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were compared before and after probiotic supplementation. Results: Fecal SCFAs increased significantly after probiotic supplementation. Serum levels of calprotectin and interleukin 6 upon LPS stimulation significantly decreased. The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics were associated with a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs (3.5% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.05) and also with a decrease of CD14+ CD16+ proinflammatory monocytes (310/ mm2 vs. 194/mm2 , p < 0.05). Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation reduced systemic inflammatory responses in HD patients and this effect was associated with an increase in Tregs and a decrease in proinflammatory monocytes. Hence, targeting intestinal dysbiosis might be a novel strategy for decreasing inflammation and cardiovascular risks in HD patients.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in tumor invasion, angiogenesis and inflammatory tissue destruction. Increased expression of MMP was observed in benign tissue hyperplasia and in atherosclerotic lesions. Invasive cancer cells utilize MMP to degrade the extracellular matrix and vascular basement membrane during metastasis, where MMP-2 has been implicated in the development and dissemination of malignancies. The present study attempted to examine the antiangiogenic activity of the medicinal herbs of Aspergillus usamii var. shirousamii-transformed Angelicae Gigantis Radix and Zizyphus jujube (tAgR and tZj) with respect to MMP-2 production and endothelial motility in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- or VEGF-exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Nontoxic tAgR and tZj substantially suppressed PMA-induced MMP-2 secretion. In addition, 25 microg/mL tAgR and tZj prevented vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated endothelial cell transmigration and tube formation. The results reveal that tAgR and tZj dampened endothelial MMP-2 production leading to endothelial transmigration and tube formation. tAgR and tZj-mediated inhibition of endothelial MMP may boost a therapeutic efficacy during vascular angiogenesis.
Angelica ; Aspergillus ; Basement Membrane ; Endothelial Cells ; Extracellular Matrix ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Hyperplasia ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Phorbols ; Plants, Medicinal ; Transendothelial and Transepithelial Migration ; Ziziphus

PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis. METHODS: In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
Allergens ; Complementary Therapies ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inflammation ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nose ; Panax ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; Skin ; Sneezing ; Tablets