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Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental illnesses characterized by difficulty in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. These clinical diagnostic criteria can be seen in children as early as one year old and are commonly associated with long-term difficulties. ASD is connected with a higher frequency of various medical diseases such as gastrointestinal complaints, seizures, anxiety, interrupted sleep, and immunological dysfunction, in addition to the range of developmental abnormalities listed. Methods: From 1 January 2013 to 28 February 2023, we searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for English-language papers that matched our topic. The following Boolean keywords were utilized in the search approach: "autism" AND "microbiota". After deleting duplicates, a total of 2370 publications were found from the databases, yielding 1222 articles. (1148). Nine hundred and eighty-eight items were excluded after their titles and abstracts were scrutinized. The method resulted in the removal of 174 items for being off-topic. The final 18 articles for qualitative analysis are included in the evaluation. Conclusion: The findings of this extensive study revealed that probiotics, prebiotics, their combination as synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and microbiota transfer therapy may benefit ASD patients suffering from both gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the use of probiotic bacteria has attracted the interest of the marine shrimp farming industry. However, there are certain limitations pertaining to the practical application of many commercially available probiotics. Here, a thoroughly screened optimal consortium of three indigenous sulfur probiotics was tested for antibiotic susceptibility and was found to be safe, with each culture being sensitive to all the tested antibiotics. Further, de-potash vinasse (DPV), an environmental hazard, was tested for its prebiotic potential, and its 1% (w/v) concentration was found to be effective for long-term viability (> 66 days) of the probiotic cultures and safe for Artemia. The synbiotic formulation was tested first in a lab-scale microcosm setup successfully and subsequently tried on a shrimp farm; it was observed that the product was congruent to the efficiency of a commercial probiotic regarding almost all physicochemical parameters, sulfide, nitrate–N, nitrite-N, phytoplankton sustenance, Pseudomonas count, coliform count, and heterotrophic count. In addition, it was significantly efficient in maintaining pH, reducing ammonia-N and phosphate-P, Vibrio and Aeromonas count, and a net increase in the yield of shrimp biomass by 625 kg, thus proving to be a better alternative than one of the already available remediation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent decades, trade of ornamental fish has significantly increased. A rise in demand was observed, especially from top importing countries that contributed majorly to the growth of the market. The destructive fishing methods caused a severe impairment of natural and environmental resources. Thus, there is a need to improve ornamental fish aquaculture, increasing the number of cultured species and limiting wild fish handling and transport stress losses. In this light, the use of microbial feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, could help in improving the immune system and growth as well as increasing reproductive performance in captivity-bred species. Ornamental fish trade represents an important economic sector with an export turnover that reached approximately 5 billion US dollars in 2018. Despite its high economic importance, this sector does not receive much attention. Ornamental fish husbandry still faces many challenges and losses caused by transport stress and handling and outbreak of diseases are still to be improved. This review will provide insights on ornamental fish diseases along with the measures used to avoid or limit their onset. Moreover, this review will discuss the role of different natural and sustainable microbial feed additives, particularly probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the health, reduction in transport stress, growth, and reproduction of farmed ornamental fish. Most importantly, this review aims to fill the informational gaps existing in advanced and sustainable practices in the ornamental fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many synbiotics are effective for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the treatment of T2DM, synbiotics often regulate the composition of intestinal flora, which autoinducer-2 (AI-2) may play an important role. Whether the changes of intestinal flora are related to AI-2 during synbiotics treatment of T2DM is a topic worth studying. We elucidated the effects of synbiotic composed of mangiferin and Lactobacillus reuteri 1-12 (SML) on T2DM rats. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (STZ) and randomly grouped. After that, biochemical parameters, intestinal flora, fecal AI-2, and intestinal colonization of L. reuteri were detected. The results showed that SML had a hypoglycemic effect and mitigated the organ lesions of the liver and pancreas. Also, SML regulated biochemical parameters such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). On the other hand, the proportion of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. reuteri, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Lactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus johnsonii, were elevated by the treatment of SML. In addition, SML promoted the colonization and proliferation of L. reuteri in the gut. Another thing to consider was that AI-2 was positively correlated with the total number of OTUs sequences and SML boosted AI-2 in the gut. Taken together, these results supported that SML may modulate intestinal flora through AI-2 to treat T2DM. This study provided a novel alternative strategy for the treatment of T2DM in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Clinical trials have investigated the effect of probiotics on postsurgical complications in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, so far, there are no systematic reviews evaluating the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on the clinical or infectious postsurgical complications of colorectal cancer. Objective The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the effects of the use of probiotics or synbiotics on pre-, peri-, and post-operative complications of CRC surgical resection. Data Sources A search of the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for clinical trials published up until January 2022. Data Extraction The population characteristics, period and protocol of supplementation, and postoperative complications were extracted and reported. A random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of probiotic and synbiotic treatment on these variables. Data Synthesis In total, 2518 studies were identified, of which 16 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 13 in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of ileus (odds ratio [OR] = .13, 95% confidence interval [CI]:.02,.78), diarrhea (OR = .32, 95% CI:.15,.69), abdominal collection (OR:.35, 95% CI:.13,.92), sepsis (OR = .41, 95% CI:.22,.80), pneumonia (OR = .39, 95% CI:.19,.83), and surgical site infection (OR = .53, 95% CI:.36,.78). The results of the subgroup analysis indicated that lower dose (<109 colony-forming units), higher duration of supplementation (>14 days), and being administrated ≤5 days before and >10 days after surgery was more effective at reducing the incidence of surgical site infection. Conclusion Probiotics and synbiotics seem to be a promising strategy for the prevention of postoperative complications after CRC surgery. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the optimal treatment protocol for the use of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing postoperative complications for CRC surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fermented rice cake is a unique traditional product of Thailand called "Khao-Maak," which is usually made from white or black glutinous rice. Because the germinated black glutinous rice contains high levels of antioxidants and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as epidermis with prebiotic potential, it was used in this study to increase the health benefits and functional values of Khao-Maak. Moreover, the probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, was added during fermentation to ensure the synbiotic characteristics. In vitro gastrointestinal tests showed that the developed product had a higher yeast survival rate (97.10 ± 0.87%) compared to the control (< 70%). The prebiotic activity score (PAS) also showed a positive value of 1.81 ± 0.15, indicating its prebiotic characteristics. However, as the germinated rice is hard to digest, its use slowed down the fermentation process. Therefore, the cellulase and amylase each were added at 10 U/g to increase the fermentation rate while resulting in an acceptable score from the consumers. The functional value analysis showed that the developed product contained antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and GABA, each not less than 30 mg per 100 g-product. The shelf life study revealed that the product could be stored at 4 °C for 10 days while maintaining functional values within product specifications and meeting community product standards. This study demonstrated the possibility of increasing health benefits and functional values of rice products, as well as the effective use of food-grade enzymes to improve the productivity and quality of fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pro-, pre-, and synbiotic supplements improve cardiovascular risk factors. However, the association between nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics (NPPS) and long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality has not been studied. Thus, our objective was to determine the impact of nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective, cohort study of 4837 nationally representative American participants aged 65 years or older with a median follow-up duration of 77 months. Measurements: All-cause and cardiovascular mortality were measured. Results: A total of 1556 participants died during the median 77-month follow-up, and 517 died from cardiovascular disease. Compared with participants without NPPS use, participants who used NPPS experienced a reduced risk of all-cause mortality by nearly 41% (hazard ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.79) and cardiovascular mortality by 52% (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.76). Such an effect persisted in most subgroup analyses and complete-case analyses. Conclusion and Relevance: In this study, we found a protective effect of NPPS against all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Americans aged 65 years or older. Nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics can be a novel, inexpensive, low-risk treatment addition for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality for older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating the effect of multispecies synbiotic supplementation in obesity management are limited. The current study was performed to evaluate the effects of multispecies probiotics mixed with fructooligosaccharides on body composition, antioxidant status, and gut microbiome composition in overweight and obese individuals. We employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design, in which 63 individuals aged 18–45 years were assigned to receive either a synbiotic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. The synbiotic group consumed a daily dose of 37 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) of a unique blend of seven different probiotics, along with 2 g of fructooligosaccharides, while the placebo group consumed 2 g of maltodextrin daily. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 6, and the end of the study. The results of the study indicated that synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in waist circumference and body fat percentage compared to the baseline measurements, as observed at 12 weeks. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences observed in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, or percentage of body fat between the synbiotic group and the placebo group. An analysis of plasma antioxidant capacity revealed that synbiotic supplementation caused a significant increase in Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and a concomitant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the test group when compared to the placebo. For the gut microbiota analysis, synbiotic supplementation significantly decreased Firmicutes abundance and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio at week 12 as compared to the placebo group. Nevertheless, the synbiotic group did not exhibit any substantial alterations in other biochemical blood parameters compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that multispecies synbiotic supplementation could be a beneficial strategy to improve body composition, antioxidant status, and gut microbiome composition in overweight and obese subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is evidence that probiotics can increase the availability of iron. The aim of current study was to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the haematological parameters and anaemia in haemodialysis patients. Methods: This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients were randomly selected from the haemodialysis section of Vaseii Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. Subjects in the symbiotic and control groups received 2 capsules of synbiotic supplement or placebo, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks. Blood samples were divided into two test tubes in equal volumes. Blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, red blood cells (RBCs), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured with auto‐analyser. Ferritin was determined using Sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Twenty tree patients in each group completed the study. Significant results were recorded in synbiotic groups regarding the concentration of blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, the number of RBCs, and serum ferritin compare to placebo group (P <.05). At the end of week 8, TIBC significantly decreased in synbiotic than placebo group (P <.05). Conclusion: Synbiotic supplementation could be a safe and promising candidate in improving anaemia in CKD patients. Summary at a Glance: This study shows that synbiotic supplement improve hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin saturation, the number of RBCs, and serum ferritin compare to placebo group in patients undergoing haemodialysis. This study inform us important information regarding the effects of synbiotic supplementation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a beer industry by-product with interesting functional properties by its high fiber content and bioactive compounds, which may be possibly employed as a prebiotic ingredient. The fermentability of BSG by ten probiotics and two starter cultures was evaluated, and the co-culture of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei F-19® (probiotic) and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4® (starter) was selected to produce a potentially probiotic fermented milk (FM). Four formulations of FM were studied: FM1 (control), FM2 (probiotic − /BSG +), FM3 (probiotic + /BSG −), and FM4 (probiotic + /BSG +). The viability of the microorganisms in the FM was monitored throughout 28 days of storage. The resistance of the microorganisms in the FM to in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions was also evaluated. Even though the BSG did not influence the fermentation kinetics or increase the populations of both microorganisms in the FM, a significant improvement on the survival of TH-4® against in vitro-simulated GIT stress was observed in the formulations containing BSG alone or in combination with F-19®. All formulations showed potential as probiotic FM, since total probiotic populations were kept above 1010 CFU in a daily portion of 200 mL, and a minimum of 1010 and 108 CFU equivalent of, respectively, TH-4® and F-19® was recovered after the GIT stress. Therefore, TH-4® has potential as a probiotic strain in addition to its starter feature, while BSG may be employed as a possible prebiotic ingredient in a synbiotic approach. Nonetheless, further studies to evaluate possible health benefits are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are two medical conditions in which pain, fatigue, immune/inflammatory dysregulation, as well as various mental health disorders predominate in the diagnosis, without evidence of a clear consensus on the treatment of FM and CFS. The main aim of this research was to analyse the possible effects of a synbiotic (Synbiotic, Gasteel Plus® (Heel España S.A.U.), through the study of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8/IL-10) and neuroendocrine biomarkers (cortisol and DHEA), in order to evaluate the interaction between inflammatory and stress responses mediated by the cytokine-HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, as well as mental and physical health using body composition analysis, accelerometry and previously validated questionnaires. The participants were women diagnosed with FM with or without a diagnostic of CFS. Each participant was evaluated at baseline and after the intervention, which lasted one month. Synbiotic intervention decreased levels of perceived stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improved quality of life during daily activities. In addition, the synbiotic generated an activation of HPA axis (physiological cortisol release) that can compensate the increased inflammatory status (elevated IL-8) observed at baseline in FM patients. There were no detrimental changes in body composition or sleep parameters, as well as in the most of the activity/sedentarism-related parameters studied by accelerometry. It is concluded that synbiotic nutritional supplements can improve the dysregulated immunoneuroendocrine interaction involving inflammatory and stress responses in women diagnosed with FM, particularly in those without a previous CFS diagnostic; as well as their perceived of levels stress, anxiety, depression and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgalactosylation reaction is the penultimate step in the production of galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) which has prominent applications in the treatment of disorders. In the present study, partially purified β-galactosidase from Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC2190 was used for the synthesis of prebiotic GOSs. GOSs were produced using lactose as substrate. Structural elucidation of collected fractions of GOSs by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry exhibited the appearance of major peaks of produced GOSs at m/z 241.20, 481.39, 365.11, 527.17, and 701.51 respectively. GOSs facilitated the growth of potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. helveticus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and liberated propionate and butyrate as principal short-chain fatty acids which established its prebiotic potency. Synbiotic combinations exhibited good antioxidant activities. Synbiotic combinations also exhibited antimicrobial activities against pathogenic microorganisms namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Synbiotic combinations of GOSs and the respective probiotic microorganisms were able to decrease viable human bone cancer cells (MG-63). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tigernuts and millet are indigenous underutilized crops in West Africa that have versatile applications in food processing. These crops are rich in fermentable carbohydrates, resistant starch, fiber, and micronutrients, making them ideal candidates for pre- and probiotic (synbiotic) foods. This study utilized whole tigernuts in a dairy–millet-based fermented beverage called brukina, turned it to a synbiotic, and assessed the functional and physicochemical profiles, microbial quality, and shelf stability of the beverage. The tigernut–millet agglomerate was prepared by incorporating cellulose-hydrolyzed tigernut fibrous (TNF) cake and non-hydrolyzed TNF (10% and 15%, respectively) into millet and allowing to ferment for 12 and 24 h. Brukina produced from composite tigernut milk: dairy in a ratio of 40%:60% was inoculated with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei after pasteurization. The beverage was analyzed for physicochemical, proximate, and functional properties and microbiological stability at 5°C and 25°C. The obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Minitab version 17 using a general linear model to determine the variability, interactions, and significance of the measured product characteristics. The agglomerate water absorption capacity (l/g) ranged from 0.70 ± 0.17 to 0.89 ± 0.17, bulk density (g/l) from 0.55 ± 0.04 to 0.63 ± 0.00, and swell index (%) from 1.62 ± 0.08 to 1.80 ± 0.06. The agglomerate prepared from dough and fermented for 12 h had excellent functional characteristics and was selected for synbiotic brukina production. Moisture content of the product decreased (p < 0.001) with tigernut incorporation ranging from 78.85% to 70.45%, while sodium, phosphorus, protein, total carbohydrate, and crude fiber increased with tigernut incorporation (p < 0.05). Synbiotic brukina supported the growth of L. casei attaining 11 log CFU/mL with a corresponding increase in lactic acid production and was microbiologically safe at 5°C and 25°C for 5 days compared to unpasteurized and uninoculated probiotic control (p < 0.05). The addition of whole tigernuts and L. casei to brukina enhanced its nutritional content with a shelf stability of 3 days.

This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic consisting of inulin, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Lactobacillus reuteri given orally to day (d)-of-hatch (DOH) broiler chicks at the hatchery and in the feed for a 21 d period. A total of 480 Cobb male broilers were randomly divided into one of four treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial design as follows: (1) control (CTRL) group receiving a gel-only oral application on DOH at the hatchery prior to transport and a non-medicated basal corn/soybean meal starter diet; (2) hatchery synbiotic (HS) receiving an oral gel containing the synbiotic (0.5 mL/bird) at the hatchery and the basal diet; (3) CTRL + dietary synbiotic at 0.5 kg/MT (DS); and (4) HS + dietary synbiotic at 0.5 kg/MT (HSDS). On d 7 and d 21, one bird per pen (eight replicate pens/group) was euthanized, and the ileum was immediately removed for qPCR analysis. Data were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using GLM procedure (JMP Pro17). A significant diet × hatchery interaction was observed in feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 14 to d 21 (p = 0.013) where the HS, DS, and HSDS treatments had a significantly lower FCR compared to the CTRL. However, no significant interaction effect was observed for body weight gain (BWG) or FCR during the overall experimental period. No significant interaction was observed in mRNA abundance of the evaluated genes in the ileum on d 7 and d 21. Gel application with the synbiotic significantly reduced sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA abundance on d 7 (p = 0.035) in comparison to birds receiving gel alone. Regardless of hatchery application, dietary synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, and interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA abundance on d 7 (p = 0.013). In conclusion, these findings showed that hatchery and dietary synbiotic application could have a potential beneficial impact on broiler intestinal immunity by regulating the TLR response, a key element of innate immunity. FCR was improved from d 14 to d 21 after synbiotic application. Future research involving extended grow-out studies with a disease challenge would expand on the implications of an early application of synbiotics.

Edible mushrooms, including wild mushrooms, are currently being investigated as natural sources to evaluate their prebiotic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of crude polysaccharides (CPSs) extracted from wild Lentinus squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and Lentinus polychrous UBU_LP2 and their application as cryoprotectants in the freeze-drying process to formulate a novel synbiotic product. Based on fruiting body morphology and molecular identification, two wild edible mushrooms named UBU_LS1 and UBU_LP2 were identified as Lentinus squarrosulus and Lentinus polychrous, respectively. L. squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and L. polychrous UBU_LP2 contained high amounts of CPS after hot water extraction. Monosaccharide component analysis showed that CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 were typical heteropolysaccharides. CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 showed hydrolysis tolerance to the simulated human gastric acidic pH solution, indicating that these CPSs are capable of reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract. Antioxidant activity determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that the CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 displayed greater antioxidant activity comparable with that of ascorbic acid. It was found that CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 have a high potential for stimulating growth in all probiotic strains. Moreover, both CPS compounds could possibly be used as cryoprotectants in freeze drying, since the viability of the selected probiotic L. fermentum 47-7 exhibited cell survival of greater than 70% after 90 days of storage at 4 °C. These results highlight that wild edible mushrooms L. squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and L. polychrous UBU_LP2 are potential natural sources of prebiotics and can be applied as cryoprotectants in the freeze-drying process. The crude polysaccharide derived from this study could also be considered as a potent antioxidative compound. Therefore, our study provides evidence to support the application of CPSs from wild edible mushrooms in synbiotic product development and in various functional foods. Finally, further evaluation of these prebiotics, including the determination of the potential rehabilitation of beneficial gut microbes in diseased individuals, is currently being conducted by our research group.

Due to recent interest in the potential of probiotics as health promoters and the impact of health and environmental concerns on eating habits, non-dairy probiotic food products are required. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of different probiotic microorganisms in peach and grape juice (PGJ) with or without the prebiotic inulin and their antimicrobial activity against the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and the juice spoilage microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Firstly, the viability of seven probiotic strains was studied in PGJ with an initial concentration of 107 CFU/mL for 21 days at 4 °C and for 3 days at 37 °C. In parallel, the physicochemical effect, the antimicrobial effect and the lactic acid production in PGJ were evaluated. Secondly, the probiotic with the best viability results was selected to study its antimicrobial effect against L. monocytogenes and S. cerevisiae, as well as ethanol and acetaldehyde production by the latter. L. casei showed the highest viability and grew in both refrigerated and fermentation conditions (1 log), produced the greatest lactic acid (5.12 g/L) and demonstrated in vitro anti-Listeria activity. Although the addition of the prebiotic did not improve the viability, lactic acid production or anti-Listeria activity of the probiotics, under the conditions studied, the prebiotic potential of inulin, support the design of a synbiotic juice. Finally, although none of the probiotic, fermentation products, or postbiotics showed any antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes or S. cerevisiae, the addition of L. casei to the PGJ significantly reduced the production of S. cerevisiae metabolite ethanol (29%) and acetaldehyde (50%). L. casei might be a suitable probiotic to deliver a safe and functional PGJ, although further research should be carried out to determine the effect of the probiotic and fermentation on the nutritional profile of PGJ.

Abstract Background Sarcopenia refers to an age-related loss of skeletal muscle content, strength, and function, leading to a decrease in mobility. Obesity may exacerbate age-related complications such as sarcopenia through inflammatory pathways. In addition, intestinal dysbiosis has been proposed as an emerging contributor to sarcopenia due to the stimulation of the immune system and elevated barrier permeability of the intestine. Targeting microbiome with synbiotic and vitamin D supplementation may modulate the microbiome followed by the enhancement of sarcopenia indices. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation with or without vitamin D on the intestinal microbiome and its relationship with strength, muscle function, and body composition in middle-aged overweight and obese women. Methods This multi-factorial, double-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 88 participants in eight weeks. The participants will be allocated into four groups receiving vitamin D placebo (weekly) and synbiotic placebo (daily), vitamin D and synbiotic placebo, vitamin D placebo and symbiotic, and vitamin D and synbiotic. Intestinal microbiome assessment will be done by DNA isolation and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, anthropometric indices, body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance will be evaluated by standard methods. All measurements will be made at the beginning and end of the study. Discussion The previous studies showed that probiotics were involved in reducing inflammation, insulin sensitivity, modulation of atrophy markers such as atherogen-1, and decreasing reactive oxygen indices. In addition, vitamin D was found to improve the intestinal microbiome and facilitate muscle anabolism. The present protocol is novel as it aims to investigate the impact of the co-supplementation of synbiotic and vitamin D on the gut microbiome and sarcopenia indices. Trial registration This trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20090822002365N25, date of registration: March 2021).

The present work delighted on extraction of galactomannan polysaccharide from guar gum beans and microbial galactomannan source. Effect of replacing non-fat dry milk that used to fortify cow's milk in yoghurt industry with the two extracted galactomannans and commercial galactomannan as food additives was studied. Control yoghurt treatment was made from 3.0% fat cow's milk that was fortified with 1.5% non-fat dry milk. Another 6 yoghurt treatmentwas fortified with 0.15, 0.25% of commercial, guar and microbial galactomannan respectively. All treatments were cultured with the probiotic starter (1.0% Streptococcus thermophilus + 1.0% Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus + 1.0% Bifidobacteriumbifidum). The obtained results indicated that yoghurt supplementation with the three types of galactomannans increased the acidity, curd tension, total solids content, decreased pH values and syneresis of yoghurt treatments. Control yoghurt and commercial galactomannan yoghurt were not significantly different from the corresponding batches those made with either guar galactomannan and microbial galactomannan in fat, protein and ash content. Yoghurt treatments which supplemented with the three types of galactomannans have higher bifidobacteria counts and organoleptic scores than the control treatment yoghurt.

SUMMARY: Synbiotic supplementation alters gut microbiota via competitive exclusion, improving production performance, decreasing cecal Campylobacter jejuni load and colonization, and improving immunological responses while offering an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. This study aimed to determine effects of synbiotic supplementation as an antibiotic replacement in C. jejuni challenged broilers. Three thirt-six 1-day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 4 treatment groups: Control, Synbiotic, Antibiotic + Challenge, and Synbiotic + Challenge, with 6 replicate pens per treatment. Antibiotic (Virginiamycin) and synbiotic (PoultryStar Me) were supplemented in feed 20 mg/kg and 20 g/1,000 birds/day, respectively. At 21 d of age, birds were orally inoculated with PBS or 1 × 108 CFU/bird C. jejuni. Feed intake and body weight were measured on a weekly basis. On 3, 7, and 14 dpi, intestinal permeability, anti-C. jejuni IgA bile concentration, C. jejuni content (ceca, ileal tissue, and liver), splenocyte MNC nitric oxide production, cecal tonsil CD4+:CD8+ and CD4+:CD25+ ratios, and cecal cytokine immune gene and tight junction protein expression were quantified and statistically analyzed. We found that synbiotic supplementation limited cecal C. jejuni colonization more effectively than antibiotic supplementation, upregulated tight junction protein expression, and positively altered cytokine and chemokine gene expression in response to challenge. We conclude that synbiotic supplementation decreases C. jejuni loads in broilers and beneficially modulates the immune response to C. jejuni challenge, compared to antibiotic supplementation, and that synbiotics can be applied to replace antibiotic growth promoter usage during poultry C. jejuni infection.

Feedlot diets are often enriched with additives to mitigate health disorders and promote cattle performance, including the feed-grade antimicrobials monensin and tylosin. However, alternative feeding strategies are warranted given the increasing regulations regarding the use of antimicrobials in feedlot diets. This study evaluated the performance, physiological, and health responses of feedlot cattle offered a synbiotic supplement (yeast-derived prebiotic + Bacillus subtilis probiotic), which replaced or was fed in conjunction with monensin and tylosin. Angus-influenced steers (n = 192) from four different cowherds were weaned on day −1 and transported (800 km) to the feedlot. Steers were allocated to 1 of 24 pens (eight steers/pen) upon arrival on day 0. Pens were assigned to receive (n = 8/treatment) a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing: (1) monensin and tylosin (RT; 360 mg/steer daily from Rumensin and 90 mg/steer daily from Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA), (2) yeast-derived ingredient and B. subtilis probiotic (CC; 18 g/steer daily of Celmanax and 28 g/steer daily of Certillus; Church and Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA), or (3) a combination of RT and CC (RTCC). Steers were slaughtered according to BW in four groups balanced by treatment and pens and received treatments for 252 ± 4 days. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.17) for steer BW gain and morbidity responses. Mean TMR intake was greater and gain:feed ratio was less (P ≤ 0.01) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Mean plasma leptin concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Steers receiving CC had greater (P ≤ 0.04) concentrations of plasma cortisol, haptoglobin, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and less (P ≤ 0.05) concentration of non-esterified fatty acids compared with RT and RTCC steers on day 14 of the experiment. Carcass marbling was greater (P = 0.01) in CC compared with RT steers and tended to be greater (P = 0.07) in RTCC compared with RT steers. Proportion of carcasses that graded Choice or better and Longissimus muscle area were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC and RTCC compared with RT steers. Incidence of liver abscesses was less (P = 0.01) in RTCC compared with CC steers and tended to be less (P = 0.09) in RT compared with CC steers. Results from this experiment indicate that the synbiotic supplement may replace monensin and tylosin without reducing steer BW gain, with potential improvements to carcass quality traits.

Modulation of the gut microbiota is a trending strategy to improve health. While butyrate has been identified as a key health-related microbial metabolite, managing its supply to the host remains challenging. Therefore, this study investigated the potential to manage butyrate supply via tributyrin oil supplementation (TB; glycerol with three butyrate molecules) using the ex vivo SIFR® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology, a highly reproducible, in vivo predictive gut model that accurately preserves in vivo-derived microbiota and enables addressing interpersonal differences. Dosing 1 g TB/L significantly increased butyrate with 4.1 (±0.3) mM, corresponding with 83 ± 6% of the theoretical butyrate content of TB. Interestingly, co-administration of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 (REU) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) markedly enhanced butyrate to levels that exceeded the theoretical butyrate content of TB (138 ± 11% for REU; 126 ± 8% for LGG). Both TB + REU and TB + LGG stimulated Coprococcus catus, a lactate-utilizing, butyrate-producing species. The stimulation of C. catus with TB + REU was remarkably consistent across the six human adults tested. It is hypothesized that LGG and REU ferment the glycerol backbone of TB to produce lactate, a precursor of butyrate. TB + REU also significantly stimulated the butyrate-producing Eubacterium rectale and Gemmiger formicilis and promoted microbial diversity. The more potent effects of REU could be due to its ability to convert glycerol to reuterin, an antimicrobial compound. Overall, both the direct butyrate release from TB and the additional butyrate production via REU/LGG-mediated cross-feeding were highly consistent. This contrasts with the large interpersonal differences in butyrate production that are often observed upon prebiotic treatment. Combining TB with LGG and especially REU is thus a promising strategy to consistently supply butyrate to the host, potentially resulting in more predictable health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Probiotics or synbiotics consumption have been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through a decline in inflammation and oxidative stress, however, the results from studies are conflicting. This study filled this knowledge gap by evaluating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating probiotics or synbiotics intake on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with prediabetes and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: We systematically did search up to March 2022 in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane library. A random-effect model was applied to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each outcome. Results: A total of 32 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. This intervention led to a significant decrease in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD − 0.62 mg/l; 95% CI − 0.80, − 0.44; p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (WMD − 0.27 pg/ml; 95% CI − 0.44, − 0.10; p = 0.002) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD − 0.51 µmol/l; 95% CI − 0.73, − 0.30; p < 0.001), and also a significant increase in levels of glutathione (GSH) (WMD 69.80 µmol/l; 95% CI 33.65, 105.95; p < 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD 73.59 mmol/l; 95% CI 33.24, 113.95; p < 0.001) and nitric oxide (NO) (WMD 7.49 µmol/l; 95% CI 3.12, 11.86; p = 0.001), without significant alterations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adipokines levels. Conclusion: A consumption of probiotics or synbiotics could be a useful intervention to improve cardiometabolic outcomes through a reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with prediabetes and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies found that the use of probiotics may have a protective effect on chemotherapy-associated toxicity in cancer patients. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on chemoradiotherapy-associated toxicity in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to assess the effect of probiotics and synbiotics in CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy. All RCTs in English, up to January 2021, were included through a literature search in Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed (PMC Central, MEDLINE), ClinicalTrials.gov, and ProQuest databases. The impact of probiotics and synbiotics on the side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy in CRC patients was evaluated. The quality of the RTCs was independently assessed by two reviewers. EndNote X8 software was used to manage the search results. Results: Of the 904 identified articles, three studies finally met the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Two studies reported that patients who received probiotics had less abdominal discomfort and required less bowel toxicity-related hospital care. Although probiotic supplementation lowered radiation-associated diarrhea, it had no significant effect when anti-diarrheal drugs were used. Another study reported that synbiotic supplementation improved quality of life and marginally reduced diarrhea and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Conclusion: Probiotics and synbiotics do not have a significant effect on reducing chemotherapy-associated toxicity and diarrhea in CRC patients. These findings should be substantiated by further RCTs with rigorous placebo-controlled studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first objective of infant formulas is to ensure the healthy growth of neonates and infants, as the sole complete food source during the first months of life when a child cannot be breastfed. Beyond this nutritional aspect, infant nutrition companies also try to mimic breast milk in its unique immuno-modulating properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the intestinal microbiota under the influence of diet shapes the maturation of the immune system and influences the risk of atopic diseases in infants. A new challenge for dairy industries is, therefore, to develop infant formulas inducing the maturation of immunity and the microbiota that can be observed in breastfed delivered vaginally, representing reference infants. Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Bifidobacterium breve (BC50), Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, Lactobacillus fermentum (CECT5716), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) are some of the probiotics added to infant formula, according to a literature review of the past 10 years. The most frequently used prebiotics in published clinical trials are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). This review sums up the expected benefits and effects for infants of pre-, pro-, syn-, and postbiotics added to infant formula regarding the microbiota, immunity, and allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare the effects of long-term prebiotic and synbiotic supplementations on the immunosuppression of male football players after daily high-intensity training and a one-time strenuous exercise. A total of 30 male university student-athletes were recruited and randomly assigned to the prebiotic (PG, n = 15) or synbiotic group (SG, n = 15), receiving a prebiotic or synbiotic once per day for six weeks. Physiological assessments were conducted by a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test and an exhaustive constant load exercise (75% VO2max test). Inflammatory cytokine and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) were measured. VO2max, maximal heart rate (HRmax), and lactic acid elimination rate (ER) were used to evaluate aerobic capacity. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) complaints were evaluated using a questionnaire. URTI incidence and duration were significantly lower in the SG group than that in the PG group (p < 0.05). At baseline, SIgA and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in the SG group (p < 0.01) as well as IL-1β and IL-6 in the PG group (p < 0.05) were significantly increased, and IL-4 concentration was markedly reduced in the PG group (p < 0.01). The concentrations of IL-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were significantly reduced in the PG and SG group immediately after the constant load exercise. Significantly decreased HRmax and enhanced ER (increased by 193.78%) were detected in the SG group, not in the PG group, during the constant load experiment (p < 0.05) and the recovery period (p < 0.01), respectively. However, VO2max value was not changed. These data suggest that synbiotic supplementation for six weeks has a more positive effect than prebiotics on the immune function and athletic performance of male university football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to see if increasing the concentration of nutmeg flesh extract in vitro could increase the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria and if it had any effect on broiler chicken performance. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of nutmeg flesh extract (5, 10, 15, and 20/100 ml distilled water) were combined with 10 ml L. plantarum (bacterial concentration 1 × 109 cfu/ml) to produce synbiotics. A total of 250 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were reared together from 0 to 7 days of age in the in vivo study. Beginning on day 8, synbiotics nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum were added to the ration in amounts of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while no synbiotics were added to the control diet (T0). Results: The levels of nutmeg flesh extract had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. plantarum growth. In the survival test against gastric acid, bile salts, and temperature, the addition of nutmeg flesh extract (20/100 ml distilled water) significantly (p < 0.05) maintained the population of L. plantarum. In vivo studies showed that the T1,T2,T3, and T4 groups gained more body weight (p < 0.05) than the T0 group during the rearing period but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the internal organ weight and carcass of broiler chickens. Conclusions: Nutmeg flesh extract could stimulate the growth of L. plantarum bacteria, and using it as a synbiotic could improve broiler chicken performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of co-occurring alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high, and the presence of one disorder aggravates the severity of the other. Emerging evidence shows the neuroprotective and anti-inflammation functions of psychobiotics. Hence, the study explored the effects of probiotics and synbiotic inulin on the gut- and liver-oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in chronic alcohol exacerbation of PTSD symptoms in rats. Young adult rats were administered 10% ethanol in a two-bottle choice test for six weeks and were subjected to single prolonged stress. Probiotics and synbiotic intervention followed this. Markers of oxido-inflammatory stress, liver functions, intestinal (faecal) metabolites, occludin expression, and histopathology of the ileum and liver were evaluated. Chronic alcohol drinking and PTSD increased oxido-inflammatory stress, markers of hepatic damage, and reduced faecal metabolites, which were attenuated by probiotic and synbiotic interventions. Furthermore, reduced immunoexpression of gut and liver occludin, with loss of barrier integrity, viable hepatocytes, congestive portal area, and shortened villi and crypt depth, were observed. Probiotic and synbiotic interventions mitigated these effects. The study demonstrates that psychobiotics mitigate the detrimental effects of co-occurring chronic alcohol intake in the context of PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to hydrolyze the immunogenic gluten peptides by probiotic bacteria, Lactococcus lactis G01. It was isolated from curd and isolation was done based on ability to hydrolyze gluten. It was also tested for probiotic properties such as survival in gastric juice, bile salts, acid resistance, antibiotic sensitivity, antioxidant potential, sodium chloride tolerance, and antimicrobial activity. Lactococcus lactis G01 exhibited potential probiotic properties also, hence it was selected for microencapsulation. Probiotic was encapsulated in sodium alginate beads using banana powder as prebiotic and aloe vera as the adsorbent. The bead morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the bead was confirmed by FTIR. It was observed that 99% of the encapsulated probiotic cells were released into the simulated intestinal fluid in 90 min. Storage study was conducted for encapsulated probiotic and after four weeks of storage, the probiotic count in microcapsules was 7.82 log10 CFU/g. The formulated synbiotic capsules are suggested to incorporate in porridge for celiac patients since the probiotic has gluten reduction property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the application of synbiotic containing multispecies of probiotics with different cell densities in white shrimp rearing against infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus coinfection. This study used a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. One additional replication of each treatment was provided for the lethal sampling. Pacific white shrimp were fed with three dosages of synbiotic multispecies for 30 days, namely 103 CFU mL−1 (Sin 3), 106 CFU mL−1 (Sin 6), and 109 CFU mL−1 (Sin 9), and the controls without synbiotic administration consisted of the positive control (K +) and the negative control (K −). Pacific white shrimp from all treatments, except for the K − , were challenged with IMNV a dose of 100 µL and 106 CFU mL−1 V. parahaemolyticus, injected intramuscularly. Infected Pacific white shrimp showed clinical signs like anorexia, melanosis, empty gut, colorless hepatopancreas, and white necrotic areas in striated skeletal muscles, especially of the distal abdominal segments and uropod. The results showed that administration of synbiotic for 30 days resulted in higher immune parameters, such as total hemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity (PO), respiratory bursts (RB), and total viable bacterial count (TBC) compared to K + /K −. After coinfection, they showed significantly higher levels for THC, PO, RB, gene expression prophenoloxidase (ProPO), and lipopolysaccharide and β-1.3-glucan-binding protein (LGBP), better clinical signs, and lower mortalities. Sin 9 treatment significantly showed the highest survival rate (SR) compared to the other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the use of antimicrobials in livestock being reduced in recent years, they are still widely used in swine production. These therapeutic products are commonly prophylactically used via feed or water to prevent disease and maintain productive indexes, particularly during critical periods when animals usually suffer from pathogen infections, such as post-weaning colibacillosis. However, there is an urgent need to avoid using these drugs due to increased antimicrobial resistance. Different probiotics and prebiotics are effective in preventing or limiting the disease, constituting possible alternatives. Still, there is scarce information regarding the potential benefits of combining both strategies through a synbiotic approach. In this study, we hypothesize that combining short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) and live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 47 could turn in an effective synbiotic to fight post-weaning colibacillosis in piglets due to complementary and/or synergistic effects. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of supplementing a blend of scFOS, live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 47, or their combination, on the health of weanling pigs orally challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4+. Our results show that these products' mechanism of action could be slightly different; therefore, a beneficial effect could be expected from their synbiotic supplementation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplementing short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) combined or not with live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 47 on weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli F4+. We allocated ninety-six piglets to four experimental diets: control (CTR); supplemented with scFOS (5 g/kg Profeed® P95) (scFOS); S. cerevisiae Sc 47 (1 g/kg Actisaf® Sc 47 HR +) (YEA); or both (SYN). Parameters included: performance; E. coli F4+ detection; fermentation activity; inflammatory biomarkers; and ileal histomorphology. Our results showed that supplementing scFOS was able to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, and both supplements were able to lower counts of EHEC along the gut. Supplementing scFOS was mostly associated with changes in the gut ecosystem and increases in the lactobacilli population, while S. cerevisiae Sc 47 registered increases in the numbers of ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes. The synbiotic mixture showed the lowest diarrhea incidence and fecal scores, benefiting from complementary modes of action and possible synergistic effects due to a hypothesized yeast–LAB cross-feeding phenomenon in the foregut. In conclusion, our results evidence that supplementing scFOS or Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 47 is efficacious to fight post-weaning colibacillosis, and combining both could be beneficial in high-risk scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is the most effective way to confer potent and long-term protection from infectious diseases. However, poorer responses to immunization are common in young adults with sub-optimal immune health and the elderly because of immunosenescence and increased comorbidities. Recent mechanistic studies have highlighted that the microbiota and its compounds modulate many molecular pathways that can influence the host immune system. Consequently, altering the microbiota composition or activity with immunonutrition, specifically with biotic interventions (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics), may enhance the immune response and vaccine efficacy. This review aims to examine the available data for these biotic strategies to provide clinicians, researchers, and vaccine developers with a mechanistically driven synthesis of how biotic interventions could modulate the immune responses to vaccination. The article describes some postulated mechanistic pathways involved in immunological responses to vaccines and immunomodulation with biotic interventions. Randomized clinical trials were also reviewed to evaluate the impact of specific biotic interventions on vaccination outcomes in different age groups. Few strains and formulations significantly increased antigen-specific antibody titers in individual of all ages. However, studies have also pointed to a substantial heterogeneity that can be attributed to the difference in biotic intervention, strain, dose, viability, type of vaccine antigen, study location, as well as duration, and timing of administration. Future investigations should focus on establishing optimal strains, doses, and timing of administration with respect to vaccination, especially in the elderly and children, where vaccine effectiveness and duration of immunization matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of synbiotics supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune function, and intestinal barrier function in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress. One hundred and forty-four 22-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups of six replicates each for a 21-day study, with eight birds per replicate. Broilers in the control group were reared at a thermoneutral temperature and received a basal diet. Broilers in the other two heat-stressed groups were fed a basal diet supplemented without (heat-stressed group) and with 1.5 g/kg synbiotic (synbiotic group). One and a half gram of the synbiotic consisted with 3 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) Clostridium butyricum, 1.5 × 109 CFU Bacillus licheniformis, 4.5 × 1010 CFU Bacillus subtilis, 600 mg yeast cell wall, and 150 mg xylooligosaccharide. Compared with the control group, heat stress increased rectal temperatures at 28, 35, and 42 days of age, respectively (P < 0.05). Birds subjected to heat stress had reduced weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency during 22 to 42 days (P < 0.05). In contrast, supplementation with the synbiotic decreased rectal temperature at 42 days of age and elevated weight gain of heat stress–challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Heat-stressed broilers exhibited a lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in jejunal mucosa and a higher malondialdehyde accumulation in serum, liver and jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), and the regressive SOD activity was normalized to control level when supplementing synbiotic (P < 0.05). Heat stress increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in serum and IL-1β content in jejunal mucosa of broilers (P < 0.05). Synbiotic reduced IL-1β level in serum of broilers subjected to heat stress (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, elevated serum diamine oxidase activity and reduced jejunal villus height were observed in broilers of the heat-stressed group (P < 0.05), and the values of these two parameters in the synbiotic group were intermediate (P > 0.05). Heat stress upregulated mRNA abundance of IL-1β and IFN-γ and downregulated gene expression levels of occluding and zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) in jejunal mucosa of broilers (P < 0.05). The alterations in the mRNA expression levels of jejunal IL-1β and ZO-1 were reversed by the synbiotic (P > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary synbiotics could improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal barrier function in heat-stressed broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics are known to have major beneficial effects on human health due to their ability to modify the composition and the function of the gut mucosa, the gut microbiota and the immune system. These components largely function in a healthy population throughout different periods of life to confer homeostasis. Indeed, they can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing bacteria strands that are beneficial for health, such as Firmicute and Bifidobacteria, and decreasing harmful bacteria, such as Enteroccocus. Their immunomodulation properties have been extensively studied in different innate cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes) and adaptive cells (Th, Treg, B cells). They can confer a protolerogenic environment but also modulate pro-inflammatory responses. Due to all these beneficial effects, these compounds have been investigated to prevent or to treat different diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc. Regarding the literature, the effects of these components on dendritic cells, monocytes and T cells have been studied and presented in a number of reviews, but their impact on B-cell response has been less widely discussed. Conclusions: For the first time, we propose here a review of the literature on the immunomodulation of B-lymphocytes response by prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, both in healthy conditions and in pathologies. Discussion: Promising studies have been performed in animal models, highlighting the potential of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics intake to treat or to prevent diseases associated with B-cell immunomodulation, but this needs to be validated in humans with a full characterization of B-cell subsets and not only the humoral response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the highest incidence of chronic liver disease worldwide, seriously endangering human health, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. In the recent years, increasing evidence has shown that intestinal flora plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Synbiotics can alter gut microbiota and may be a treatment option for NAFLD in the future. Objectives: To systematically investigate the therapeutic effect of synbiotic supplementation on NAFLD patients. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Data sources and methods: We conducted a search on four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were then screened, and data from the included studies were extracted, combined, and analyzed. Result: This study analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials involving 634 patients with NAFLD. The results showed that synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce the level of alanine aminotransferase (mean difference (MD) = -8.80; (95% CI [-13.06, -4.53]), 푝 < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (MD = -9.48; 95% CI [-12.54, -6.43], 푝 < 0.0001), and γ-glutamyl transferase (MD = -12.55; 95% CI [-19.40, -5.69], 푝 = 0.0003) in NAFLD patients. In the field of metabolism, synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce the level of total cholesterol (MD = -11.93; 95% CI [-20.43, -3.42], 푝 = 0.006) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -16.2; 95% CI [-19.79, -12.60], 푝 < 0.0001) and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 1.56; 95% CI [0.43, 2.68], 푝 = 0.007) in NAFLD patients. In addition, synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce liver stiffness measurement indicator (MD = -1.09; 95% CI [-1.87, -0.30], 푝 = 0.006) and controlled attenuation parameter indicator (MD = -37.04; 95% CI [-56.78, -17.30], 푝 = 0.0002) in NAFLD patients. Conclusion: Based on the current evidence, synbiotic supplementation can improve liver function, adjust lipid metabolism, and reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, but these effects need to be confirmed by further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Since the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned, the poultry sector is searching for alternatives to support production efficiency. Synbiotics, which consist of a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics, appear to be a promising way to do so by sustaining chickens' gut health. In this study, the synbiotic PoultryStar® sol was tested on three broiler flocks, reared in separate farms under typical field conditions. Compared to control chickens, those fed with the synbiotic throughout the productive cycle generally exhibited less histopathological lesions and had higher villi at intestinal level, and ultimately performed better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and liveability. The composition of the caecal microbial ecosystem was also studied, proving that synbiotic supplementation influenced the abundance of several bacterial populations. To fully understand the exact implications of these changes, further studies are required, which will be informed and facilitated by the present data. In recent years, the applicability of prebiotics, probiotics and their mixtures, defined as synbiotics, in poultry production has received considerable attention. Following the increasing regulation of antibiotic use, these nutraceuticals are seen as an alternative way to sustain production efficiency and resistance to pathogens and stressors by modulating birds' gut health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits provided under field conditions by administering the multi-species synbiotic PoultryStar® sol to broilers in drinking water. To this purpose, three Ross 308 broiler flocks, representing separate progenies of a breeder flock which was treated with the same synbiotic, were housed in separate farms, divided into treatment and control groups, and followed throughout the productive cycle. Synbiotic administration was shown to improve gut health even in absence of a challenge, with limited changes in terms of macroscopic intestinal lesions and more overt differences related to histopathological scores and villi length. Synbiotic-fed chickens performed consistently better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survivability. Lastly, the evaluation of the caecal microbiome through next-generation sequencing highlighted the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the composition of the bacterial population, the implications of which will, however, require further studies to be better comprehended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synbiotic contains antioxidant that has been suggested to improve oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet (HFD) consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation consisting of kepel (Stelechocarpus burahol) with the addition of Lactobacillus casei and L. plantarum on oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=5) for eight weeks of treatment. The HFD control (HFD alone) group and three different groups supplemented with three various doses of kepel synbiotic (Syn 1.2 mL, Syn 1.8 mL, and Syn 2.4 mL) were fed HFD for the first four weeks and continued supplemented kepel synbiotic for the second four weeks. Meanwhile, the normal diet (ND) control group was given regular food alone throughout the study. The serum, liver, heart, and brain oxidative stress markers were assessed. Results: Kepel synbiotic supplementation consistently improved oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity inhibition rate in serum, liver, heart, and brain in the HFD group compared to the ND group. This improvement effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner, increasing in higher kepel synbiotic doses. Conclusion: Kepel synbiotics showed a beneficial effect in improving oxidative stress in the serum, liver, heart, and brain of HFD-fed rats. Supplementation of kepel synbiotic can be considered a complementary therapeutic agent in improving oxidative stress, especially due to HFD consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CE) is a common cause for persistent or intermittent diarrhea and intestinal inflammation in dogs. Since there is evidence that imbalances in intestinal bacteria (dysbiosis) are associated with mucosal inflammation, probiotics, prebiotics, or a combination of the two (synbiotics) may reduce intestinal inflammation and decrease severity of dysbiosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplement synbiotic-IgY on clinical signs, inflammatory indices, and the mucosal microbiota in the dogs with CE. Twenty dogs with CE completed a prospective randomized clinical trial and were administered a hydrolyzed diet with the dietary supplement (synbiotic-IgY) or placebo (hydrolyzed diet) continuously for 6 weeks. At trial completion, results indicated that clinical disease activity and endoscopic scores decreased in both groups. Compared to dogs who were fed placebo, dogs administered supplement exhibited decreased levels of inflammatory markers fecal calprotectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) two weeks post-treatment, decreased levels of hs-CRP two- and six-weeks post-treatment, increased numbers of mucosal Clostridia and Bacteroides and decreased numbers of Enterobacteriaceae in colon biopsies at the completion of the trial. Results suggest that hydrolyzed diet and supplement effect favorable changes to host responses and the mucosal microbiota in dogs with CE. Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CE) is a common cause of persistent gastrointestinal signs and intestinal inflammation in dogs. Since evidence links dysbiosis to mucosal inflammation, probiotics, prebiotics, or their combination (synbiotics) may reduce intestinal inflammation and ameliorate dysbiosis in affected dogs. This study's aim was to investigate the effects of the synbiotic-IgY supplement on clinical signs, inflammatory indices, and mucosal microbiota in dogs with CE. Dogs with CE were enrolled in a randomized prospective trial. Twenty-four client-owned dogs were fed a hydrolyzed diet and administered supplement or placebo (diet) for 6 weeks. Dogs were evaluated at diagnosis and 2- and 6-week post-treatment. Outcome measures included clinical activity, endoscopic and histologic scores, inflammatory markers (fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein), and composition of the mucosal microbiota via FISH. Eleven supplement- and nine placebo-treated dogs completed the trial. After 6 weeks of therapy, clinical activity and endoscopic scores decreased in both groups. Compared to placebo-treated dogs, dogs administered supplement showed decreased calprotectin at 2-week post-treatment, decreased CRP at 2- and 6-week post-treatment increased mucosal Clostridia and Bacteroides and decreased Enterobacteriaceae in colonic biopsies at trial completion. Results suggest a beneficial effect of diet and supplements on host responses and mucosal microbiota in dogs with CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Malnutrition amongst under-fives remains common in resource-poor countries and is resistant to current interventions. New opportunities have emerged to target “environmental enteric dysfunction” (EED) that refers to the abnormal gut structure and function that results from colonisation of the gut with pathogenic microbes and compromises nutrition and growth in early life. Although the gut microbiome may provide a defence against ingested gut pathogens through colonisation resistance, its development is adversely affected by multiple environmental factors. Dietary supplements of pro- or synbiotics may build the resilience of the gut microbiome against these environmental factors and boost colonisation resistance. We aim to assess whether dietary supplementation of newborns in rural Kenya with pro/synbiotics prevents or ameliorates EED and improves growth. Methods Six hundred newborns less than 4 days old will be recruited from Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, western Kenya. Newborns will be randomly allocated, stratified by HIV exposure, in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of 4 study arms to receive either of two synbiotics, a probiotic or no supplement. Supplements will be given daily for 10 days and then weekly until 6 months of age. Participants will be followed until the age of 2 years. The primary outcome is systemic inflammation at 6 months assessed by plasma alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Secondary outcomes include biomarkers of gut health and growth, anthropometric indices, morbidity and mortality. Discussion As dietary supplements with pro- or synbiotics may improve gut health and can be administered in early life, our findings may inform the package of interventions to prevent malnutrition and improve growth in Africa and similar low-resource settings. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Trial number: PACTR202003893276712. Date: 02/03/2020 https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=9798

Abstract Background Probiotic might have a role in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among mechanically ventilated patients, but the efficacy and safety remained inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic (prebiotic, synbiotic) versus placebo in preventing VAP in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Methods PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases were searched to 10 October 2021 without language restriction for randomized or semi-randomized controlled trials evaluating probiotic (prebiotic, synbiotic) vs. placebo in prevention of VAP in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. The pooled relative risk (RR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were combined using a random-effects model. Furthermore, the trial sequential analysis (TSA) and subgroup analyses were performed. Statistical significance was regarded as P 0.05 for all). Conclusions Based on the results of our study, the current evidences suggested that prophylactic administration of probiotic might be utilized as a preventive method for VAP in neonates/children and adults patients who required mechanical ventilation. However, further large, high-quality RCTs are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotic treatment in critically ill patients, especially for the neonates/children studies and the long-term consequences of this therapy.

The chicken's cellular immune response to invasion by Eimeria tenella , the cause of cecal coccidiosis, a destructive parasitic disease of poultry, generates reactive oxidative species (ROS). The antioxidant, performance, and parasitological effects of prebiotic (Sugarcane molasses), probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and synbiotic (cocktail of probiotics and prebiotics) supplementation in drinking water on cecal coccidiosis were investigated in this report. Ninety day-old broiler chicks were divided into 6 groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F), each with 15 chicks. At 21 d of age, Groups B – F were inoculated with 2.0 × 104 Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts/chick. Group A was used as negative control. The positive control Group B, was not supplemented. Throughout the experiment, Group C was given sugarcane molasses, Group D was given probiotics and Group E was given synbiotics. Group F received prophylactic amprolium treatment. Results revealed inoculated groups had significant (P < 0.05) increases in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; 4.59 ± 3.89, 3.47 ± 0.92, 4.03 ± 1.89, 4.44 ± 1.99, 3.47 ± 1.44 U/ml in Groups B, C, D, E and F respectively compared with Group A (1.90 ± 0.21 U/ml) at 1-wk post inoculation (PI). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration likewise increased significantly in the same groups and period. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities decreased significantly in the inoculated groups; 1,210.57 ± 29.59, 2,536.83 ± 108.82, 3,049.97 ± 86.68, 2,776.80 ± 399.69, 1,868.83 ± 45.04 U/ml in Groups B to F respectively compared with Group A (3,502.47 ± 224.35 U/ml) while catalase (CAT) activities were increased. Oocysts shed in feces were significantly increased 1-wk postinoculation in B but least in F, cecal lesion scores were similar. Feed intake declined significantly in inoculated groups especially B, alongside weight gain. Feed conversion ratio increased in the inoculated groups. The differences in the activities of the enzymes and MDA level between the supplemented groups and the positive control alongside evaluated parasitological parameters show the antioxidant effect of these supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the impact of Bacillus subtilis spores and yeast cell wall (YCW) on the performance and health of dairy calves during the milk-feeding period. Thirty female Holstein calves (birth body weight [BW] of 36.7 ± 4.81 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments: Control (CTL, no additives), T1 (Bacillus subtilis spores), and T2 (Bacillus subtilis + YCW). Animals were individually housed with free access to water and commercial pellet starter. Calves received 8 L/d of pasteurized waste milk and were weaned at 63 d of age. The treatments (T1 and T2) were mixed into milk and administered daily from 3 to 63 d of age. Dry matter (DM) intake (from liquid and starter feed), fecal score, and rectal temperature were recorded daily. Additionally, heart girth was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d of age, and BW was measured at 0 and 60 d of age. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at 0, 20, and 60 d of age for analysis of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG). There was treatment × time interaction (P = 0.04) for fecal consistency scores. Calves supplemented with Bacillus subtilis tended (χ2 test, P = 0.07) to have lower cases of diarrhea than other groups. T1 or T2 supplementations did not affect milk DM intake, starter DM intake, or total DM intake. Growth performance (BW at weaning and average daily gain) was similar between treatments. Dairy calves fed Bacillus subtilis plus YCW tended to have (P = 0.09) higher rectal temperature and had higher frequency (χ2 test, P < 0.01) of rectal temperature >39.1°C compared to the CTL and Bacillus subtilis groups. However, treatments had similar levels of serum IgG (CTL = 18.3, T1 = 16.7, and T2 = 18.6 mg/mL; P = 0.58). Our results suggest that Bacillus subtills and YCW may interact in the digestive tract of young calves as evidenced by the increased rectal temperature in T2. While the cause of this interaction remains uncertain, there was no negative effect on the animal health or growth performance. The use of Bacillus subtilis spores shows promise in improving fecal consistency scoring in dairy calves fed pasteurized waste milk during the pre-weaning phase. • Bacillus subtilis supplementation may alleviate diarrhea incidence in young calves. • There are no negative effects of additives on intake and growth in dairy calves. • Synbiotic increases the rectal temperature suggesting a different mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is produced by action of the intestinal flora on tryptophan in protein diet, and it is normally excreted by the kidney. IS is a protein-bound uremic toxin, and it is difficult to be removed by conventional hemodialysis (HD) methods; so, it accumulates in HD patients and may contribute to major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim To study the effect of dietary synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) supplementation on IS level in prevalent HD patients. Patients and methods This single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 80 prevalent HD patients (between January 2017 and March 2017) in Ain Shams University Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was given synbiotic (SYN) and group 2 was given placebo for 6 weeks. Blood levels of IS, CRP, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results There was a significant reduction in serum IS level in groups 1 and 2 in comparison to their baselines (P value = 0.000 and 0.019 respectively); however, the change in IS level in group 1 after SYN supplementation (64% with IR 72.38–33.33) was more than that shown in group 2 (did not receive SYN) (18.47% with IR 26.75–26.75) with a highly significant P value, 0.000. Also, there were significant reductions in the levels of creatinine, BUN, phosphorus (P values

IntroductionSeveral systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been carried out to assess the impact of synbiotics on lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters. In this regard, an umbrella meta-analysis was performed to provide a more accurate view of the overall impacts of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters.MethodsDatabases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for this study from inception to January 2022. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. The methodological quality of eligible articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR2 questionnaire. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence in the meta-analyses.ResultsMeta-analyses of 17 studies revealed significant decreases in body mass index (BMI) (ES: −0.13 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.19, −0.06, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.870), BW (ES: −1.30 kg; 95% CI: −2.19, −0.41, p = 0.004, I2 = 88.9%, p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (ES: −1.80 cm; 95% CI: −3.26, −0.34, p = 0.016, I2 = 94.1%, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES: −2.81 mg/dl; 95% CI: −3.90, −1.72, p < 0.001, I2 = 95.1%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = −2.24 mg/dl; 95% CI: −3.18, −1.30, p < 0.001, I2 = 94.5%, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES: −0.43 mg/dl; 95% CI: −0.79, −0.07, p = 0.019, I2 = 78.0%, p < 0.001) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES: 0.23 mg/dl; 95% CI: −0.11, 0.56, p = 0.193, I2 = 45.2%, p = 0.051) following synbiotic supplementation.DiscussionThe present umbrella meta-analysis suggests synbiotic supplementation can slightly improve lipid profile and anthropometric indices and might be a therapeutic option for obesity and its related disorders.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022304376.