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AbstractThe dermal route is commonly used to deliver the drugs at the targeted site and achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy. The stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin, presents a significant diffusional barrier for most drugs. Various nanoformulations face challenges such as limited drug absorption and inadequate retention at the targeted site, frequently hindering therapeutic efficacy. Researchers are increasingly exploring innovative strategies that leverage nanotechnology and specialized carriers to address these challenges and enhance the outcomes of dermal medications. A novel drug delivery system, bilosomes, has been designed as a potential vesicular carrier system for the dermal route. Bilosomes are colloidal, lipid-based vesicles stabilized with bile salts, offering greater stability during storage and transportation. The lipid bilayer of bilosomes imparts ultra-flexibility, facilitating penetration through the stratum corneum. This review explores the use of bilosomes in dermal formulations for treating diverse diseases, their developmental techniques, and characterization, and it sheds light on their advantages over traditional lipid nanocarriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects that live in a microbially rich environment have a distinct gut microbiota that gives various benefits to the host, including infection-resistant metabolites. The current study isolated and assessed putative probiotic enterococcal strains from the guts of Periplaneta americana found in household sewage systems, utilizing biochemical and molecular biological approaches. The enterococcal strains demonstrated intense antibacterial activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative human infections. The active compound responsible for antimicrobial activity was lactic acid in strains NPL1311 and NPL1312 and a proteinaceous moiety in strain NPL1314; both exhibited lytic activity against pathogens and demonstrated thermotolerance and stability during refrigerated storage conditions. In vitro testing revealed that the strains lacked deleterious enzyme activities, had no adverse effect on the gut mucosal barrier, and lacked potentially transferable antibiotic resistance genes. Select enterococcal strains were tested for probiotic properties and demonstrated good resistance to human oral, gastric, and intestinal stressors. The two strains also showed bile salt deconjugation, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant potential, ability to break down lactose, and a suite of enzymes of industrial interest. The prospective probiotic strains were also metabolically versatile, allowing them to thrive on diverse carbohydrate substrates, enhancing their chances of competing and surviving in new gut environs. When tested under physiologically gut-relevant conditions mimicking shear flow, the putative probiotic strains could adhere to mucosal surfaces, implying better colonization potential. Due to their significant probiotic qualities, the E. faecium strains reported here should be researched further using genomic and in vivo techniques for clinical therapy and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to assess the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri spp. Nuttalliae) inflorescences; additionally, multifunctional bioactivities of the intracellular content and cell wall fractions of the selected strains were also determined. Eight strains identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, one as Lactobacillus pentosus and one as Pediococcus pentosaceus, were pre-selected according to their survival rate to acid (range 78.67 to 97.11%) and bile salt (range 49.62 to 55.23%) exposure, and their potential probiotic properties were evaluated. Overall, all strains were able to survive to several technological conditions and production of exopolysaccharides and β-galactosidase activity, auto-aggregation (> 40%), hydrophobicity (31.27–53.56%), coaggregation (41–63%), and mucosa adhesion capacity (> 70%). Besides, no biogenic amine production, mucin degradation, and γ-hemolysis activity was observed. Strains with the best probiotic properties were selected and showed to be resistant to four different antibiotics, but conjugation frequency was not found for filter mating. A survival higher than 75% was registered after bacterial exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, whole cells, intracellular contents, and cell wall fractions of these selected strains exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and promoted splenocyte cell proliferation. Our results indicated that epiphytic bacteria from huauzontle not only met basic criteria for probiotics, but also represent a source of bioactive metabolites with potential therapeutic or preventive activity against stress- and inflammatory-mediated disorders; however additional experiments are still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in plasma, playing crucial roles in regulating osmotic pressure and maintaining protein homeostasis. It is widely applied in the clinical treatment of various diseases. HSA can be purified from plasma or produced using recombinant DNA technology. Due to the improved efficiency and reduced costs, a growing body of research has focused on enhancing albumin production through bacterial strain overexpression. However, there have been few studies on the effect of albumin on the characteristics of the overexpressing‐strain itself, particularly stress resistance. In this study, we utilized Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) AR113 as the expression host and successfully constructed the albumin overexpression strain AR113‐pLLY01 through gene editing technology. The successful expression of albumin was achieved and subsequently compared with the wild‐type strain AR113‐pIB184. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the survival rate of AR113‐pLLY01 was also significantly better than that of AR113‐pIB184 after lyophilization. In addition, AR113‐pLLY01 exhibited a significantly better protective effect than AR113‐pIB184 at pH 3, indicating that albumin possesses a certain tolerance to acidic stress. At bile salt concentrations higher than 0.03%, both strains showed limited growth, but at a concentration of 0.02%, AR113‐pLLY01 had a significant protective effect. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that albumin can improve strain tolerance, which has significant implications for future applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, molecular identification of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus v390 was performed using 16S rRNA gene analysis with FYM27 and R1492 primers. The viability of the strain was assessed under acidic conditions at pH 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5, and resistance to bile at concentrations of 0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% was investigated. Antioxidant activity, cholesterol absorption, hydrophobicity, potential for DNase enzyme production, biogenic amines, hemolytic activity, and resistance to common therapeutic antibiotics were evaluated. The antimicrobial effect of the strain against pathogenic bacteria (Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus subtilis) was examined using the well and disk diffusion method. The results showed that the L. pentosus v390 strain had the ability to survive at different pH levels, but after three hours of storage at pH 2.5, the bacterial count decreased. The strain demonstrated growth capability at various bile salt concentrations. L. pentosus v390 was intermediate to the antibiotic Nitrofurazone, resistant to Nalidixic and Imipenem antibiotics, and sensitive to Vancocin, Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol, Penicillin, and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics. The hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS), and cholesterol absorption of the strain were 46.50 ± 0.38%, 37.20 ± 0.40%, 39.90 ± 0.45%, and 36.50 ± 0.47%, respectively. No DNase enzyme production, biogenic amines, or hemolytic activity were observed from the strain. L. pentosus v390 exhibited stronger antimicrobial effects against Gram -positive bacteria. The results indicated that L. pentosus v390 has desirable probiotic properties that require further research to confirm its application potential in food product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene compound that has been reported to cause cholestatic liver injury. However, the regulation and pathogenic role of bile acids in OA‐induced development of cholestatic liver injury remains largely unclear. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a metabolic nuclear receptor that plays an important role in bile acid homeostasis in the liver by regulating efflux transporters bile salt export pump (BSEP) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of OA on hepatocyte tight junction function and determine the role of FXR, BSEP, and MRP2 in the mechanism of impairment of transport of bile acids induced by OA. Both in vivo and in vitro models were used to characterize the OA‐induced liver injury. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was employed to characterize the efflux function of the transporters, and the results showed that OA caused a blockage of bile acids efflux. OA treatment resulted in decreased expression levels of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens‐1 and occludin. Immunofluorescence results showed that OA treatment significantly reduced the number of bile ducts and the immunofluorescence intensity. Pretreatment with agonists of FXR and MRP2, respectively, in animal experiments attenuated OA‐induced liver injury, while pretreatment with inhibitors of BSEP and MRP2 further aggravated OA‐induced liver injury. These results suggest that OA inhibits FXR‐mediated BSEP and MRP2, leading to impaired bile acid efflux and disruption of tight junctions between liver cells, resulting in liver damage. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene compound that has been reported to cause cholestatic liver injury. In this study, OA inhibits FXR‐mediated BSEP and MRP2, leading to impaired bile acid efflux and disruption of tight junctions between liver cells, resulting in liver damage. Activation of FXR and MRP2 mitigated OA‐induced liver injury, while inhibition of BSEP and MRP2 further aggravated OA‐induced liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mucus layer in the small intestine is generally regarded as a barrier to drug absorption. However, the mucus layer is a complex system, and presently, only a few studies have been conducted to elucidate its physicochemical properties. The current study hypothesizes that the mucus layer contains solubility-enhancing surfactants and thus might aid the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. Mucus was sampled from sections of the small intestine of fasted rats to analyze the rheological properties and determine the mucus pH and concentrations of proteins and endogenous surfactants, i.e., bile salts, polar lipids, and neutral lipids. The mucus layer in the two proximal sections of the small intestine exhibited different rheological properties such as higher zero-shear viscosity and lower loss tangent and higher protein concentrations compared to all subsequent sections of the small intestine. The pH of the mucus layer was stable at ~ 6.5 throughout most of the small intestine, but increased to 7.5 in the ileum. The bile salt concentrations increased from the duodenum (16.0 ± 2.2 mM) until the mid jejunum (55.1 ± 9.5 mM), whereas the concentrations of polar lipids and neutral lipids decreased from the duodenum (17.4 ± 2.2 mM and 37.8 ± 1.6 mM, respectively) until the ileum (4.8 ± 0.4 mM and 10.7 ± 1.1 mM, respectively). In conclusion, the mucus layer of the rat small intestine contains endogenous surfactants at levels that might benefit solubilization and absorption of orally administered poorly water-soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural changes in emulsion products can be used to control the bioavailability of fatty acids and lipophilic compounds. After ingestion, lipid droplets undergo breakdown and structural changes as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The oil–water interface plays a critical role in modulating the digestive behavior of lipid droplets because changes in the interfacial layer control the adsorption of lipase and bile salts and determine the overall rate and extent of lipid digestion. Therefore, lipid digestibility can be tuned by selecting the appropriate types and levels of stabilizers. The stabilizer can change the lipase accessibility and exposure of lipid substrates, resulting in variable digestion rates. However, emulsified lipids are not only added to food matrixes but are also co-ingested from other dietary components. Therefore, overall consumption behaviors can affect the digestion rate and digestibility of emulsified lipids. Although designing an emulsion structure is challenging, controlling lipid digestion can improve the health benefits of products. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the process of emulsified lipid digestion is required to develop food products that enable specific physiological responses. The targeted or delayed release of lipophilic molecules and fatty acids through emulsion systems has significant applications in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Probiotics, such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei EG005, are gaining attention for their health benefits, particularly in reducing oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to reinforce the antioxidant capacity of EG005, along with comprehensive genomic analysis, with a focus on assessing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, acid resistance and bile tolerance, and safety. Methods: EG005 was screened for SOD activity and change of SOD activity was tested under various pH conditions. Its survival rates were assessed in acidic (pH 2.5) and bile salt (0.3%) conditions and the antibiotic MIC test and hemolysis test were performed to evaluate safety. Genetic analyses including functional identification and phylogenetic tree construction were performed. The SOD overexpression system was constructed using Ptuf, Pldh1, Plhd2, and Pldh3 strong promoters. Results: EG005 demonstrated higher SOD activity compared to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, with optimal activity at pH 7.0. It showed significant acid and bile tolerance, with survival rates recovering to 100% after 3 h in acidic conditions. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that EG005 is closely related to other L. paracasei strains with ANI values above 98%. Overexpression of SOD using the Ptuf promoter resulted in a two-fold increase in activity compared to the controls. Additionally, EG005 exhibited no hemolytic activity and showed antibiotic susceptibility within safe limits. Discussion: Our findings highlight EG005's potential as a probiotic with robust antioxidant activity and high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions. Its unique genetic profile and enhanced SOD activity through strong promoter support its application in probiotic therapies and functional foods. Further research should be investigated to find the in vivo effects of EG005 on gut health and oxidative stress reduction. In addition, attB and attP-based recombination, combined with CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, could offer a more stable alternative for long-term sodA gene expression in commercial and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile acid sequestrants (BASs) have often been used for bile acid diarrhea (BAD) but carry a high risk of adverse events. New generations of BASs show promising results; however, their efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase to assess randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to November 2023 to retrieve studies that measured the parameters before and after the administration of BASs. The outcomes assessed were cessation or improvement in diarrhea, fecal consistency, abdominal cramping, frequency of diarrhea, and adverse events. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random‐effects model. Statistical analyses were conducted using RStudio version 4.1.2. The protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023445444). Seven RCTs with a total of 311 patients were included, of which 168 (54%) were randomized to BASs. Among BAS‐treated patients, 101 (60.1%) received colesevelam, 40 (23.8%) received chenodeoxycholate, 18 (10.7%) received cholestyramine, and 9 (5.3%) received colestid. BASs were associated with a significant improvement in the cessation of diarrhea (RR 3.27; 95% CI 2.08 to 5.15; P ≤  .05) and liquid stool to normal fecal consistency (RR 2.69; 95% CI 1.56 to 4.65; P ≤  .05), as well as an increase in abdominal cramps (RR 5.27; 95% CI 1.21 to 22.93; P ≤  .05). There were no differences in urgency, adverse events, or nausea between groups. These findings indicate that BASs are effective in the treatment of BAD, as indicated by the improvement or cessation of diarrhea episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As food transits the gastrointestinal tract, food structures are disrupted and nutrients are absorbed across the gut barrier. In the past decade, great efforts have focused on the creation of a consensus gastrointestinal digestion protocol (i.e., INFOGEST method) to mimic digestion in the upper gut. However, to better determine the fate of food components, it is also critical to mimic food absorption in vitro. This is usually performed by treating polarized epithelial cells (i.e., differentiated Caco-2 monolayers) with food digesta. This food digesta contains digestive enzymes and bile salts, and if following the INFOGEST protocol, at concentrations that although physiologically relevant are harmful to cells. The lack of a harmonized protocol on how to prepare the food digesta samples for downstream Caco-2 studies creates challenges in comparing inter laboratory results. This article aims to critically review the current detoxification practices, highlight potential routes and their limitations, and recommend common approaches to ensure food digesta is biocompatible with Caco-2 monolayers. Our ultimate aim is to agree a harmonized consensus protocol or framework for in vitro studies focused on the absorption of food components across the intestinal barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Understanding the digestion of lipid-based pharmaceutical formulations and food systems is necessary for optimising drug and nutrient delivery and has been extensively studied in bulk emulsion systems using the pH-stat method [1]. However, this approach is not suitable for investigation of individual lipid droplets, in particular the interface where the lipase acts. Microfluidic approaches to study digestion at lipid-water interfaces using droplet trapping have been proposed, however the aqueous phase in that case washes over the interface presenting uncertainty over the stoichiometry of interactions [2]. The internal interface of a Janus-like droplet, containing distinct aqueous and lipid compartments, mimics the interface of a lipid droplet in aqueous solution with controlled stoichiometry [3]. Hence, it was hypothesised that the internal interface of Janus droplets can offer a precise way to study the enzymatic digestion of lipids formulations. Using microfluidic methods, Janus-like droplets were formed by coalescing emulsion droplets containing lipid formulation and pancreatic lipase. Polarised light microscopy (PLM) and in-situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to investigate the droplets. PLM revealed the growth of an aligned inverse hexagonal phase (H 2), and with SAXS showed that this phase transformation and alignment resulted from enzymatic digestion. A subsequent partial transformation from H 2 to inverse bicontinuous cubic phase occurred when simulated intestinal fluid was used instead of Tris buffer. Suggesting that phospholipids and bile salts could diffuse across the internal interface to locally affect their surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Limosilactobacillus reuteri effectively colonizing the gut, secretes antimicrobial compounds and strengthens immune system function. Considering these health benefits, increasing its stress assessments efficiency could improve its commercial viability. Methods: In this work, the resistance of L. reuteri FP41 to acid, bile salts, and freeze-drying was examined. Results: The findings showed that strain FP41 demonstrated a strong resistance to acid/bile salt stresses. The transcriptome revealed a significant up-regulation of various stress response genes, including those related to membrane integrity, glutamine metabolism, OsmC family protein, ABC transporters, and chaperonin. Subsequent research demonstrated that overexpression of three stress response-specific proteins, including glutamate decarboxylase GatD, osmotically induced bacterial protein OsmC, and membrane protein component CsbD, significantly increased the survival rate of L. reuteri Z204 under acid/bile salts stress. Notably, overexpression of the OsmC, CsbD, and GatD proteins also enhanced the survival of L. reuteri after freeze-drying. Discussion: The development of a unique cross-protection method is highlighted in this study, that might significantly increase cellular resistance to acid, bile salts, and cold stresses. This finding could significantly impact the way that L. reuteri is employed in industrial manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacticaseibacillus casei KACC92338 was originally isolated from Korean raw milk. The antioxidant activities and protective effect in vitro of this strain were evaluated extensively. The results showed that KACC92338 can tolerate hydrogen peroxide up to 2 mM and cell-free supernatant (CFS) had higher scavenging rates for DPPH, hydroxyl radical, reducing power, and iron chelating activities with 95.61 ± 1.59%, 34.10 ± 1.93%, 2.220 ± 0.82 and 81.06 ± 1.06%, respectively. Meanwhile, the CFS showed a protective effect on yeast cells against 10 mM hydrogen peroxide with a survival rate of 76.05 ± 5.65%. To explore the probiotic potential of KACC92338, whole genome assembly and gene clusters with probiotic properties were further analyzed. The genome size was 3,050,901 bp with a 47.96% GC ratio, and 63 contigs. The genome contains 3,048 genes composed of 2,981 coding sequences and 67 RNAs (including 57 tRNAs +9 rRNAs +1 tmRNA). Average Nucleotide Identity and genome-based taxonomy showed that the KACC92338 genome had close similarity with L. casei strains with 96% ANI. Functional annotation by EggNOG and KEGG revealed the presence of numerous genes putatively involved in carbohydrate- and amino acid-transport and metabolism, genetic information processing, and signaling and cellular processes. Additionally, several genes conferring probiotic characteristics such as tolerance to stress, heat, cold, acid, bile salts, oxidative stress, immunomodulation, and adhesion to intestinal epithelium were identified. Notably absent were acquired antibiotic resistance genes, virulence, and pathogenic factors, that prove KACC92338 is a safe strain. Besides, the defense mechanisms of KACC92338 include six prophage regions and three clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) arrays as acquired immune systems against mobile elements. Further, the BAGEL4 database determined antimicrobial bacteriocin clusters of class IIb: sakacin-P, Enterolysin_A, sactipeptides, and Enterocin X, which suggests the strain could exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial functions. Together, these findings show that the L. casei KACC92338 strain can be a potential probiotic candidate in producing functional fermented foods-, health care- and skin care products- with antioxidant properties. However, a few more mechanistic studies are necessary on the safety assurance and potential application of the strain as a probiotic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omaveloxolone is a nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 activator approved in the United States and the European Union for the treatment of patients with Friedreich ataxia aged ≥16 years, with a recommended dosage of 150 mg orally once daily on an empty stomach. The effect of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) high‐fat breakfast on the pharmacokinetic profile of omaveloxolone observed in study 408‐C‐1703 (NCT03664453) deviated from the usual linear correlation between fed/fasted maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) ratios reported for various oral drugs across 323 food effect studies. Here, physiologically based biopharmaceutics modeling (PBBM) was implemented to predict and explain the effect of the FDA high‐fat breakfast on a 150‐mg dose of omaveloxolone. The model was developed and validated based on dissolution and pharmacokinetic data available across dose‐ranging, food effect, and drug–drug interaction clinical studies. PBBM predictions support clinical observations of the unique effect of a high‐fat meal on omaveloxolone pharmacokinetic profile, in which the Cmax increased by 350% with only a 15% increase in the AUC. Key parameters influencing omaveloxolone pharmacokinetics in the fasted state based on a parameter sensitivity analysis included bile salt solubilization, CYP3A4 activity, drug substance particle size distribution, and permeability. Mechanistically, in vivo omaveloxolone absorption was solubility and dissolution rate limited. However, in the fed state, higher bile salt solubilization led to more rapid dissolution with predominant absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting in increased susceptibility to first‐pass gut extraction; this accounts for the lack of correlation between Cmax and AUC for omaveloxolone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea buckthorn has lipid‐lowering properties and is widely used in the development of functional foods. In this study, a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lp10211) with cholesterol‐lowering potential and acid and bile salt resistant was screened for the fermentation of sea buckthorn juice. Changes in the active ingredients, such as sugars and phenolics, before and after fermentation, as well as their in vitro lipid‐lowering activities, were compared. The contents of reducing and total sugars decreased substantially after fermentation. Lp10211 primarily utilized fructose for growth and reproduction, with a utilization rate of 76.9%. The phenolic compound content of sea buckthorn juice increased by 37.06% after fermentation and protected the phenolic components from degradation (protocatechuic and p‐coumaric acids) and produced new polyphenol (shikimic acid). Enhanced inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity (95.42%) and cholesterol micellar solubility (59.15%) was evident. The antioxidant properties of the fermentation broth were improved. Notably, Lp10211 preserved the color and reversed browning in sea buckthorn juice. The collective findings indicate that fermentation of sea buckthorn juice by Lp10211 may enhance the functional components and lipid‐lowering activity of sea buckthorn, which may provide a new approach for the development of lipid‐lowering foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Bile acids are cholesterol-derived molecules that are primarily produced in the liver. In nonruminants with fatty liver, overproduction of bile acids is associated with liver injury. During the transition period, fatty liver is a metabolic disorder that can affect up to 50% of high-producing dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of hepatic bile acid metabolism in dairy cows with fatty liver by assessing the expression changes of genes involved in bile acid synthesis, export, and uptake. The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and the concentration of total bile acids were all greater, whereas the serum concentration of total cholesterol was lower in cows with fatty liver than in healthy cows. The content of total bile acids was higher, but total cholesterol was slightly lower in liver tissues from fatty liver cows than from healthy cows. The hepatic mRNA abundance of cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1); hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 β- and steroid delta-isomerase 7 (HSD3B7); and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1), enzymes involved in the classic pathway of bile acid synthesis, was higher in fatty liver cows than in healthy cows. Compared with healthy cows, the hepatic mRNA abundance of alternative bile acid synthesis pathway-related genes sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) and oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) did not differ in cows with fatty liver. The protein and mRNA abundances of bile acid transporter bile salt efflux pump (BSEP) were lower in the liver of dairy cow with fatty liver. Compared with healthy cows, the hepatic mRNA abundance of bile acid transporters solute carrier family 51 subunit α (SLC51A) and ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1) and 3 (ABCC3) was greater in cows with fatty liver, whereas the solute carrier family 51 subunit β (SLC51B) did not differ. The expression of genes involved in bile acid uptake, including solute carrier family 10 member 1 (NTCP), solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1A2 (SLCO1A2) and 2B1 (SLCO2B1) was upregulated in dairy cows with fatty liver. Furthermore, the hepatic protein and mRNA abundance of bile acid metabolism regulators farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) were lower in cows with fatty liver than in healthy cows. Overall, these data suggest that inhibition of the FXR signaling pathway may lead to increased bile acid synthesis and uptake and decreased secretion of bile acids from hepatocytes to the bile, which elevates hepatic bile acid content in dairy cows with fatty liver. Because the hepatotoxicity of bile acids has been demonstrated on nonruminant hepatocytes, it is likely that liver injury is induced by increased hepatic bile acid content in dairy cows with fatty liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are live microbiota that can confer their hereditary health benefits upon the host. They can positively alter the diversity of the host's gut microbiota population. Bacillus clausii is a spore-producing potential probiotic. Its application in the food industry has been highly recommended. Clausii spores are greatly resistant to harsh food processing treatment (heat and industrial pressure) and they can maintain their physiological traits (acid, bile salt) inside the human gut. The utilization of spores can enhance the nutritional viability of livestock, as well as the functionality of on-shelf products. This contemporary review covers the great attributes of B. clausii, including physiological characteristics, modes of action, probiotics benefits, a safety assessment, and the bacteria food industry applications for the purposes of producing enhanced functional foods known as probiotic foods. To our knowledge, although B. clausii has been widely applied in food industry, the amount of the literature that is dedicated to its role in sustainable food production and addresses its potential sporogenous probiotic behavior is fewer as compared to non-sporogenous lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.). In our review, we also discovered a lack of empirical evidence on the synbiotic and synergistic behavior of clausii in combination with other active nutrients. Therefore, our review suggests that more studies should be conducted on the potential probiotic contribution of B. clausii in sustainable food production and its synergistic and synbiotic behavior in conjunction with other active nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of 700 feline-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), a common cause of diarrhea in cats. Following comprehensive screening, strains ZY25 and ZY35 were identified as the most effective, with inhibition zones of ≥22 mm. These strains demonstrated strong tolerance against stress conditions, such as low pH, bile salts, and gastrointestinal fluids, alongside high hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation abilities. Safety evaluations confirmed the absence of hemolytic activity, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes. The antibacterial activity of these strains is attributed to the production of organic acids, particularly lactic acid and acetic acid. These findings suggest that strains ZY25 and ZY35 have potential as natural and effective probiotic treatments for managing EPEC-induced diarrhea in cats, thus offering an alternative to conventional antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The interest in region-specific ethnic fermented foods and their functional microbiota is rising. The demands for functional foods are continuously rising, so research is going on to develop nutritious food with many beneficial attributes and low safety concerns. The present study was designed to isolate and characterize lactobacilli probiotic candidates from locally resourced fermented foods (dahi, lassi, and raabadi) to make ready-to-eat fermented functional products later. Cultures were isolated from 82 fermented food samples collected from different villages. The initial experiments of gram staining, catalase test, and carbohydrate fermentation were assessed for the morphology, purity, and primary characterization on the genus level, which was verified through molecular characterization using PCR. Seven lactobacilli strains (no. MS001-MS007) were then assessed for safety, probiotic candidacy, phytase degradation, and biofilm forming abilities. All seven bacterial cultures showed no hemolytic activity and antibiotic sensitivity against more than 14 antibiotics out of 20. All seven lactobacilli isolates were able to tolerate pH 3.0, 0.3% bile 0.5% pancreatin, lysozyme (100 mg/L to 300 mg/L) and also shown possessed phytase degradation ability. All the cultures showed antioxidative potential and biofilm formation ability. Culture MS007 showed considerably higher bile salt hydrolase activity among all the isolates, whereas MS005 possessed excellent phytate degradation ability among others. Bacterial strains were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the order of preference of isolates was calculated using the multidimensional Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) based on probiotic and other functional properties. The most promising attributes showing cultures were recognised as Limosilactobacillus fermentum MS005 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MS007, which could be further used for functional food product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Infectious outbreaks due to recombinant NoV genotype called GII.P16-GII.2 have been frequently reported since 2016. In this study, we expressed the major capsid protein VP1 from three GII.2 NoV strains using the recombinant baculovirus expression system. The assembly, histo-blood group antigen (HBGA)-binding patterns, and cross-blocking abilities of VP1 proteins were investigated. All the three NoV VP1 proteins successfully assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). The HBGA-binding assay demonstrated a temporal binding pattern. The latest isolate bound to saliva samples of all blood types. Sequence alignment suggested that the observed gain in HBGA-binding ability was attributed to a limited number of amino acid mutations. Using chimeric VP1 proteins, we demonstrated that synergistic effects resulted in enhanced binding ability. Bile salts increased GII.2 VLP avidity for HBGAs except GII.2-2011/M1. In vitro blockade assay of salivary HBGA-VLP binding demonstrated the presence of cross-blocking effects among different strains. This study provides insight into the evolutionary binding characteristics and cross-blocking effects of GII.2 NoVs to facilitate the development of measures to control this type of viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shigella spp. are highly pathogenic members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, causing ∼269 million cases of bacillary dysentery and >200,000 deaths each year. Like many Gram-negative pathogens, Shigella rely on their type three secretion system (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells, driving both cellular invasion and evasion of host immune responses. Exposure to the bile salt deoxycholate (DOC) significantly enhances Shigella virulence and is proposed to serve as a critical environmental signal present in the small intestine that prepares Shigella’s T3SS for efficient infection of the colonic epithelium. Here, we uncover critical mechanistic details of the Shigella-specific DOC signaling process by describing the role of a π-helix secondary structure element within the T3SS tip protein invasion plasmid antigen D (IpaD). Biophysical characterization and high-resolution structures of IpaD mutants lacking the π-helix show that it is not required for global protein structure, but that it defines the native DOC binding site and prevents off target interactions. Additionally, Shigella strains expressing the π-helix deletion mutants illustrate the pathogenic importance of its role in guiding DOC interaction as flow cytometry and gentamycin protection assays show that the IpaD π-helix is essential for DOC-mediated apparatus maturation and enhanced invasion of eukaryotic cells. Together, these findings add to our understanding of the complex Shigella pathogenesis pathway and its evolution to respond to environmental bile salts by identifying the π-helix in IpaD as a critical structural element required for translating DOC exposure to virulence enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic infections often involve notorious pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, demanding innovative antimicrobial strategies due to escalating resistance. This investigation scrutinized the antibacterial prowess of bile salts, notably taurocholic acid (TCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and ox bile salt (OBS), against these pathogens. Evaluations encompassed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, scrutiny of their impact on biofilm formation, and anti-virulence mechanisms. UDCA exhibited the highest efficacy, suppressing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms by 83.5% and 78%, respectively, at peak concentration. TCA also significantly reduced biofilm development by 81% for S. aureus and 75% for P. aeruginosa. Microscopic analysis revealed substantial disruption of biofilm architecture by UDCA and TCA. Conversely, OBS demonstrated ineffectiveness against both pathogens. Mechanistic assays elucidated UDCA and TCA's detrimental impact on the cell membrane, prompting the release of macromolecular compounds. Additionally, UDCA and TCA inhibited protease and elastase synthesis in P. aeruginosa and staphyloxanthin and lipase production in S. aureus. These results underscore the potential of UDCA and TCA in impeding biofilm formation and mitigating the pathogenicity of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to present knowledge on therapeutic potential bacteriocin producing bacterial strains. Samples (n=35) from diverse Ernakulam sources yielded 26 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates on De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) medium. Among the isolates potent antimicrobial activity observed against known pathogens in one of the isolates from goat milk sample number 3, labelled as GO3. Microscopic and biochemical test revealed the isolate is Gram-positive rod, non-sporulating and resilience to pH and bile salts, with adaptability to gastric enzymes and surfactants. Genetic and physiological traits of the positive strains were confirmd by 16S rRNA technique. Blast analysis revealed that sequence of the strain GO3 from goat milk identified as Lactobacillus casei, exhibited antibiotic sensitivity, autoaggregation, co-aggregation, and antibiofilm assays highlighted inhibitory properties as a promising therapeutic potential probiotic bacterium. LAB isolates can be further investigated at the genetic level to enhance their probiotic characteristics such as resistance and cellular adhesion. Additionally, the identification of gene responsible for expressing bacteriocins can be conducted on these isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholestasis is characterized by hepatic accumulation of bile acids. Clinical manifestation of cholestasis only occurs in a small proportion of exposed individuals. The present study aims to develop a new approach methodology (NAM) to predict drug-induced cholestasis as a result of drug-induced hepatic bile acid efflux inhibition and the resulting bile acid accumulation. To this end, hepatic concentrations of a panel of drugs were predicted by a generic physiologically based kinetic (PBK) drug model. Their effects on hepatic bile acid efflux were incorporated in a PBK model for bile acids. The predicted bile acid accumulation was used as a measure for a drug's cholestatic potency. The selected drugs were known to inhibit hepatic bile acid efflux in an assay with primary suspension-cultured hepatocytes and classified as common, rare, or no for cholestasis incidence. Common cholestasis drugs included were atorvastatin, chlorpromazine, cyclosporine, glimepiride, ketoconazole, and ritonavir. The cholestasis incidence of the drugs appeared not to be adequately predicted by their Ki for inhibition of hepatic bile acid efflux, but rather by the AUC of the PBK model predicted internal hepatic drug concentration at therapeutic dose level above this Ki. People with slower drug clearance, a larger bile acid pool, reduced bile salt export pump (BSEP) abundance, or given higher than therapeutic dose levels were predicted to be at higher risk to develop drug-induced cholestasis. The results provide a proof-of-principle of using a PBK-based NAM for cholestasis risk prioritization as a result of transporter inhibition and identification of individual risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Total serum bile acid (TSBA) levels are elevated in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and may mediate cholestatic pruritus. Linerixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, improved pruritus in patients with PBC. We explored the relationship between linerixibat dose, TSBA concentration, and pruritus. Methods: Data from Phase 1/2 trials were used to develop a population kinetic‐pharmacodynamic model to characterize the linerixibat dose–TSBA relationship. Individual Bayesian parameter estimates for participants in the GLIMMER study were used to derive the area under the TSBA concentration curve over 24 h (AUC0–24). Time‐matched post hoc estimates of AUC0–24 were correlated with pruritus reported on a 0–10 numerical rating scale. Baseline TSBA concentration was correlated with change from baseline (ΔBL) in monthly itch score (MIS). ΔBL in model‐estimated TSBA AUC0–24 was correlated with time‐matched ΔBL in weekly itch score (WIS) or MIS. Results: Linerixibat dose dependently reduced TSBA AUC0–24, reaching steady state after 5 days. Baseline TSBA levels in GLIMMER did not correlate with ΔBL in MIS. ΔBL in TSBA AUC0–24 correlated with improved WIS over 12 weeks of treatment (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). Of participants with a ≥30% decrease in TSBA AUC0–24, 60% were pruritus responders (≥2‐point improvement in WIS from baseline). Conclusions: Linerixibat treatment leads to rapid, dose‐dependent TSBA reductions. Baseline TSBA levels do not correlate with on‐treatment pruritus change, suggesting they do not predict linerixibat response. Change in TSBA AUC0–24 correlates significantly with, and can be predictive of, pruritus improvement in patients with PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to isolate and screen canine-derived probiotics with excellent probiotic properties. Strain characterization was conducted using a combination of in vitro and in vivo probiotic characterization and safety assessments, as well as complete genome analysis. The results showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri LRA7 exhibited excellent bacteriostatic and antioxidant activities. The survival rate at pH 2.5 was 79.98%, and the viable counts after exposure to gastrointestinal fluid and 0.5% bile salts were 7.77 log CFU/mL and 5.29 log CFU/mL, respectively. The bacterium also exhibited high hydrophobicity, self-coagulation, and high temperature tolerance, was negative for hemolysis, and was sensitive to clindamycin. In vivo studies in mice showed that the serum superoxide dismutase activity level was 53.69 U/mL higher in the MR group of mice compared to that of the control group, the malondialdehyde content was 0.53 nmol/mL lower in the HR group, and the highest jejunal V/C value was 4.11 ± 1.05 in the HR group (p < 0.05). The L. reuteri LRA7 gene is 2.021 megabases in size, contains one chromosome and one plasmid, and is annotated with 1978 functional genes. In conclusion, L. reuteri LRA7 has good probiotic potential and is safe. It can be used as an ideal probiotic candidate strain of canine origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii has been designated as a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to investigate both the phenotypic and genotypic traits of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strains, along with the effects of natural bile salts on biofilm formation. The research analyzed phenotypic traits, including autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, twitching motility, lectin production, and biofilm formation, as well as genotypic traits such as the presence of bap and blaPER-1 genes in twenty wound and eight environmental MDR A. baumannii isolates. While all strains were identified as good biofilm producers, no statistically significant correlation was detected between the examined traits and biofilm formation. However, differences in biofilm production were observed between environmental and wound isolates. The natural bile salts Na-cholate, Na-deoxycholate, and Na-chenodeoxycholate demonstrated effective anti-A. baumannii activity (MIC = 0.25–10 mg mL−1), with significant anti-biofilm effects. Na-deoxycholate and Na-chenodeoxycholate inhibited 94–100% of biofilm formation at super-MIC concentrations (8–32 mg mL−1). This study underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in A. baumannii, highlighting the potential of natural bile salts as promising biofilm inhibitors and encouraging further research into their modification and combination with other antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression, the second biggest cause of disability worldwide, is widespread. Many antidepressant medications, including Desvenlafaxine Succinate (D.V.S.), function by elevating neurotransmitter levels at the synapse through the inhibition of reabsorption by neurons. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is often limited by their inability to reach the brain using conventional administration methods. Bilosome-stabilized nanovesicles containing bile salts have drawn much interest because of their adaptability and versatility in various applications. This study aimed to address this issue by formulating intranasal bilosomes incorporated into a mucoadhesive in situ gel to deliver D.V.S. directly to the brain for depression treatment. The desvenlafaxine-loaded bilosomes were developed using a thin film hydration method based on the l-optimal design. They were intended to provide a more convenient route of administration for antidepressants, enhancing bioavailability and brain targeting through intranasal delivery. The study assessed the optimized bilosomes for particle size (311.21 ± 0.42 nm), Zeta potential (–37.35 ± 0.43)and encapsulation efficiency (99.53 ± 0.41%) and further evaluated them in ex vivo and in vivo pharmacokinetics studies. Pharmacokinetic data reveal enhanced brain uptake compared to a free drug. A statistically optimized bilosome formulation was determined. The intranasal administration of mucoadhesive in situ gel containing desvenlafaxine succinate-loaded bilosomes facilitated direct nose-to-brain drug delivery, improving brain bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by gradual loss of selectively susceptible populations of neurons. Primary clinical features (e.g., dementia, parkinsonism, or motor neuron disease), anatomic distribution of neurodegeneration (e.g., frontotemporal degenerations, extrapyramidal disorders, or spinocerebellar degenerations), or primary molecular abnormality can all be used to classify neurodegenerative diseases. The frequency of neurodegenerative disorders gets increased every year as the population in the world gets older. Lack of effectiveness in currently available drugs and severe side effects lead to the necessity for development of novel drugs from natural sources. Present study focuses on evaluating the anti-neurodegenerative activity of a probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus. Material and methods: Probiotic characterisation assay such as tolerance to NaCl, phenol and bile salts were evaluated. Antibiotic sensitivity test five standard antibiotics were performed. Acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition assay were carried out at five different concentrations. From the analysis, Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to be tolerant to NaCl, phenol and bile salts. Results: The Lactobacillus acidophilus strain was found to be sensitive to all the tested antibiotics. Significant acetyl cholinesterase and tyrosinase was observed at 100 µL of crude extracts 69.29 ± 3.25% and 53.18 ± 2.89%. Conclusion: Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic supplement can be utilized for treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nanoparticles have become versatile assets in the medical field, providing notable benefits across diverse medical arenas including controlled drug delivery, imaging, and immunological assays. Among these, non-lamellar lipid nanoparticles, notably cubosomes and hexosomes, showcase remarkable biocompatibility and stability, rendering them as optimal choices for theranostic applications. Particularly, incorporating edge activators like sodium taurocholate enhances the potential of these nanoparticles for dermal and transdermal drug delivery, overcoming the stratum corneum, a first line of defense in our skin. This study reports on the formulation of monoolein-based cubosomes and hexosomes incorporating taurocholate and stabilized by Span 80 and co-encapsulating Chlorin e6 and coenzyme QH for photodynamic therapy in skin metastatic melanoma. The formulations were optimized using small-angle X-ray scattering, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of cubosomes or hexosomes, depending on the ratio between taurocholate and Span 80. Furthermore, the co-loaded nanoparticles exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies for both Ce6 and the coenzyme QH. In vitro studies on human melanoma cells (Me45) demonstrated the biocompatibility and photodynamic activity of the loaded formulations. These findings show the possibility of formulating more biocompatible cubosomes and hexosomes for photodynamic therapy in skin cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durio kutejensis, commonly known as Lai durian, has a unique characteristics of a creamy texture and a combination of sweet and bitter tastes. This study aimed to isolate and screen yeast from fruits as a potential probiotic agent. The tests consisted of tolerance to bile salt and gastric acid at pH 2, antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteriditis, and hemolytic activity on blood agar medium. The results showed that 40 yeasts isolated from Lai durian fruit and 34 of these isolates grew on YMA medium. The two isolates showed high significance in the probiotic tests. These two isolates were able to grow on bile salt up to a concentration of 2% and gastric acid for up to 6 h, with survival rates of 99.06% and 100%, respectively. Two isolates were identified as Pichia kudriavzevii UNJCC Y-137 and Candida tropicalis UN-JCC Y-140 Therefore, these two yeast isolates can be used as potential probiotic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic infections often involve notorious pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, demanding innovative antimicrobial strategies due to escalating resistance. This investigation scrutinized the antibacterial prowess of bile salts, notably taurocholic acid (TCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and ox bile salt (OBS), against these pathogens. Evaluations encompassed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, scrutiny of their impact on biofilm formation, and anti-virulence mechanisms. UDCA exhibited the highest efficacy, suppressing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms by 83.5% and 78%, respectively, at peak concentration. TCA also significantly reduced biofilm development by 81% for S. aureus and 75% for P. aeruginosa. Microscopic analysis revealed substantial disruption of biofilm architecture by UDCA and TCA. Conversely, OBS demonstrated ineffectiveness against both pathogens. Mechanistic assays elucidated UDCA and TCA’s detrimental impact on the cell membrane, prompting the release of macromolecular compounds. Additionally, UDCA and TCA inhibited protease and elastase synthesis in P. aeruginosa and staphyloxanthin and lipase production in S. aureus. These results underscore the potential of UDCA and TCA in impeding biofilm formation and mitigating the pathogenicity of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare childhood manifested disease associated with impaired bile secretion with severe pruritus yellow stool, and sometimes hepatosplenomegaly. PFIC is caused by mutations in ATP8B1, ABCB11, ABCB4, TJP2, NR1H4, SLC51A, USP53, KIF12, ZFYVE19, and MYO5B genes depending on its type. ABCB11 mutations lead to PFIC2 that encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Different mutations of ABCB11 have been reported in different population groups but no data available in Pakistani population being a consanguineous one. We sequenced coding exons of the ABCB11 gene along with its flanking regions in 66 unrelated Pakistani children along with parents with PFIC2 phenotype. We identified 20 variations of ABCB11: 12 in homozygous form, one compound heterozygous, and seven heterozygous. These variants include 11 missenses, two frameshifts, two nonsense mutations, and five splicing variants. Seven variants are novel candidate variants and are not detected in any of the 120 chromosomes from normal ethnically matched individuals. Insilico analysis revealed that four homozygous missense variations have high pathogenic scores. Minigene analysis of splicing variants showed exon skipping and the addition of exon. This data is a useful addition to the disease variants genomic database and would be used in the future to build a diagnostic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Probiotics, especially Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), can promote the health of host animals in a variety of ways, such as regulating intestinal flora and stimulating the host's immune system. Methods: In this study, 206 LAB strains were isolated from 48 canine fecal samples. Eleven LAB strains were selected based on growth performance, acid and bile salt resistance. The 11 candidates underwent comprehensive evaluation for probiotic properties, including antipathogenic activity, adhesion, safety, antioxidant capacity, and metabolites. Results: The results of the antipathogenic activity tests showed that 11 LAB strains exhibited strong inhibitory effect and co-aggregation ability against four target pathogens (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella braenderup, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results of the adhesion test showed that the 11 LAB strains had high cell surface hydrophobicity, self-aggregation ability, biofilm-forming ability and adhesion ability to the Caco-2 cells. Among them, Lactobacillus acidophilus (L177) showed strong activity in various adhesion experiments. Safety tests showed that 11 LAB strains are sensitive to most antibiotics, with L102, L171, and L177 having the highest sensitivity rate at 85.71%, and no hemolysis occurred in all strains. Antioxidant test results showed that all strains showed good H2O2 tolerance, high scavenging capacity for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH-). In addition, 11 LAB strains can produce high levels of metabolites including exopolysaccharide (EPS), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and bile salt hydrolase (BSH). Discussion: This study provides a thorough characterization of canine-derived LAB strains, highlighting their multifunctional potential as probiotics. The diverse capabilities of the strains make them promising candidates for canine dietary supplements, offering a holistic approach to canine health. Further research should validate their efficacy in vivo to ensure their practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic properties of isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from sustainable foods including camel milk are the potential research domains. For this purpose, camel milk samples (n = 20), from four different herds of Camelus dromedarius, were processed for the identification of LAB strains based on biochemical profiles followed by amplification and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. The probiotic characteristics, i.e., acids and bile salts tolerance, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, hemolytic and antimicrobial activities, auto-aggregation assay, and adhesion to HT-29 epithelial cells were determined. Thirteen out of 20 milk samples were initially found positive for the growth of probiotics or LAB which were further confirmed as Lacticaseibacillus casei (5) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (3). The probiotics/LAB strains showed maximum survival (%) = 92.06 ± 1.82 and 81.35 ± 3.64 against acids and bile salts, respectively. The LAB strains were found sensitive to amoxicillin, ceftazidime, imipenem, linezolid, ofloxacin, tetracycline, tobramycin, and vancomycin. None of the LAB strains showed hemolytic activity. L. casei-04 strain showed a maximum zone of inhibition (15.33 ± 0.58) against multidrug-resistant E. coli AZ1 strain whereas, L. casei-05 showed a maximum zone of inhibition (16.33 ± 1.15) against methicillinresistant S. aureus Saba-1 strain. L. casei-03 showed maximum percentage autoaggregation (28.65 ± 1.96) at 4 h while L. casei-01 showed (41.10 ± 3.03) at 24 h of incubation. Maximum adhesion was shown by P. pentosaceus-01 (11.14%) followed by L. casei-02 (9.73%). Altogether, the current findings suggested that camel milk has significant potential of providing probiotics/LAB strains into human food chain and enabling camel milk as potential sustainable food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium septicum infections are highly predictive of certain malignancies in human patients. To initiate infections, C. septicum spores must first germinate and regain vegetative growth. Yet, what triggers the germination of C. septicum spores is still unknown. Here, we observe that C. septicum germinates in response to specific bile salts. Putative bile salt recognition genes are identified in C. septicum based on their similarity in sequence and organization to bile salt-responsive csp genes in Clostridioides difficile. Inactivating two of these csp orthologs (cspC-82 and cspC-1718) results in mutant spores that no longer germinate in the presence of their respective cognate bile salts. Additionally, inactivating the putative cspBA or sleC genes in C. septicum abrogates the germination response to all bile salt germinants, suggesting that both act at a convergent point downstream of cspC-82 and cspC-1718. Molecular dynamics simulations show that both CspC-82 and CspC-1718 bear a strong structural congruence with C. difficile's CspC. The existence of functional bile salt germination sensors in C. septicum may be relevant to the association between infection and malignancy. Two new bile salt germinant-responsive genes, which exhibit sequence and structural similarity to Clostridioides difficile cspC, have been identified in the cancer-associated bacteria Clostridium septicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse and intricate microbial community, a pivotal contributor to human well‐being. An effective strategy for exploring the diversity and potential probiotic attributes of Bacillus species is to isolate them from faecal samples. In this investigation, we scrutinised the in vitro probiotic characteristics of Bacillus coagulans VHBAX‐04, an isolate derived from human faeces. These attributes encompassed acid and gastric juice tolerance, resistance to bile salts and intestinal juice, adhesion capabilities, safety profile, antibiotic resistance pattern, the absence of toxin genes, and antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, we conducted in silico analyses to evaluate its probiotic potential. The notable absence of genes associated with mucin degradation, red blood cell lysis, gelatin hydrolysis, or toxin production in B. coagulans VHBAX‐04 certifies its safety as a probiotic. Additionally, the distinct antibiotic resistance pattern of strain VHBAX‐04 suggests its potential for co‐administration with antibiotics. In conclusion, this study underscores the suitability of B. coagulans VHBAX‐04 as a viable probiotic option. Isolation and Evaluation of Bacillus coagulans WBX04: A Probiotic Strain from Human Feces Studied through 16S rRNA Sequencing and In Vitro Tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions in the gut microbiome is hindered by poorly annotated bacterial genomes. While functional genomics can generate large gene-to-phenotype datasets to accelerate functional discovery, their applications to study gut anaerobes have been limited. For instance, most gain-of-function screens of gut-derived genes have been performed in Escherichia coli and assayed in a small number of conditions. To address these challenges, we develop Barcoded Overexpression BActerial shotgun library sequencing (Boba-seq). We demonstrate the power of this approach by assaying genes from diverse gut Bacteroidales overexpressed in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. From hundreds of experiments, we identify new functions and phenotypes for 29 genes important for carbohydrate metabolism or tolerance to antibiotics or bile salts. Highlights include the discovery of a d-glucosamine kinase, a raffinose transporter, and several routes that increase tolerance to ceftriaxone and bile salts through lipid biosynthesis. This approach can be readily applied to develop screens in other strains and additional phenotypic assays. Here, the authors developed a novel high-throughput, DNA barcoded overexpression platform, BOBA-seq, to uncover new gene functions among gut anaerobes involved in carbon utilization and stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two indigenous lactobacilli, Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9 isolated from Indian traditional fermented rice beverage were studied for safety criteria, probiotic attributes by in vitro tests and anti-inflammatory activity in cell line. They were negative for biogenic amines production, gelatinase, lecithinase and hemolytic activity, and displayed moderately low antibiotic resistance. They survived at low pH and 0.5% bile. They remain viable under simulated gastric and intestinal juice. Cell surface hydrophobicity and cell autoaggregation ability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 were comparatively higher than Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9. Cell coaggregation and antimicrobial activity were relatively high in Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9 than Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515. They had no bile salt hydrolase activity. Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 produced comparatively higher short chain fatty acids than Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9. Additionally, the lipopolysaccharidestimulated excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in RAW 267.4 cells was considerably reduced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The traditional Mexican fermented beverage pulque has been considered a healthy product for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been identified as one of the most abundant microbial groups during pulque fermentation. As traditional pulque is consumed directly from the fermentation vessel, the naturally associated LABs are ingested, reaching the consumer's small intestine alive, suggesting their potential probiotic capability. In this contribution, we assayed the probiotic potential of the strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB1_P46 isolated from pulque produced in Huitzilac, Morelos State, Mexico. The characterization included resistance to acid pH (3.5) and exposure to bile salts at 37 °C; the assay of the hemolytic activity and antibiotic resistance profiling; the functional traits of cholesterol reduction and β-galactosidase activity; and several cell surface properties, indicating that this LAB possesses probiotic properties comparable to other LAB. Additionally, this L. plantarum showed significance in in vitro antimicrobial activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and in vivo preventive anti-infective capability against Salmonella in a BALB/c mouse model. Several functional traits and probiotic activities assayed were correlated with the corresponding enzymes encoded in the complete genome of the strain. The genome mining for bacteriocins led to the identification of several bacteriocins and a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide encoding for the plantaricin EF. Results indicated that L. plantarum LB1_P46 is a promising probiotic LAB for preparing functional non-dairy and dairy beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan exhibit a diverse array of biological activities. However, studies investigating the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan are still lacking. The physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan and its isolated fractions, were comparatively investigated. This investigation focused on in vitro binding of lipids, cholesterol, and bile acid salts. The crude polysaccharide (P20) was extracted using high-pressure hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation with 20% ethanol from L. edodes fruiting body. P20 was then deproteinized to obtain the polysaccharide fraction (P20-1), which was separated using DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange columns to yield three polysaccharide fractions (P20-1A, P20-1B, and P20-1C). Among all the polysaccharide fractions, P20-1A had the highest polysaccharide content (54.33%) and P20 had the better emulsifying activity. Deproteinization and column separation decreased the viscosity and increased the water solubility of the fractions. P20 and P20-1 consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, and mannose, while P20-1A and P20-1B consisted mainly of glucose, galactose, and mannose, and P20-1C consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and galacturonic acid. P20-1A exhibited the best in vitro binding capacity, which may be attributed to its highest polysaccharide content, lower viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight, higher galactose content, and did not contain glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. Additionally, its loose and porous microscopic morphology provided more interaction area. This study presents scientific evidence and research progress on the potential use of P20-1A as a functional food supplement for individuals with hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of modern aquaculture, the effort to reduce the reliance on fishmeal/marine ingredients in fish diets has led to the exploration of plant-based protein sources as potential substitutes, a dietary shift that disrupts the bile acid profile in fish. Therefore, bile salts are being sought as additives. However, artificially increased intestinal levels of bile acids may significantly impact mucosal function. Therefore, here, we explored the regulatory role in the intestine of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) of (i) chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), (ii) a mixture formed by two bile acids, 3% cholic acid and 97% deoxycholic acid (MIX), and (iii) a conjugated bile salt sodium taurocholate (TC) in Ussing chambers with the epithelial voltage clamp technique. We tested the bile salts in a 50–500 μg/ml concentration range, and all of them promoted ion absorption. Yet, clear concentration-dependent and more pronounced effects on the ion transport were observed in the posterior intestine. On the other hand, bile salts had no or minor effects on tissue resistance. However, there are indications that the MIX could have adverse effects at high concentrations (500 μg/ml), promoting a threefold increase in tissue permeability measured using FITC-dextran (4 kD) regardless of the intestinal region, thus suggesting an alteration in intestinal permeability at high bile salt concentrations. The findings from our study emphasize the importance of considering intestinal function when contemplating the possible use of a particular bile salt as a dietary supplement. It appears that bile salts, whether acting individually or in combination, play a pivotal role in orchestrating nutrient absorption by influencing the function of epithelial ion transport. However further research is needed to fully grasp the region-dependent nuances of bile salt effects on ion transport and the ultimate consequences for nutrient absorption in the context of fish aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new component of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CPP20) was precipitated by the gradient ethanol method, and the protective effect of CPP20 on hypercholesterolemia mice was investigated. In vitro, CPP20 had the ability to bind bile salts and inhibit cholesterol micelle solubility, and it could effectively clear free radicals (DPPH•, •OH, and ABTS+). In vivo, CPP20 effectively alleviated hypercholesterolemia and liver damage in mice. After CPP20 intervention, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and the level of HDL-C in liver and serum were increased, and the activity of aminotransferase (ALT and AST) and the level of MDA, TC, TG, LDL-C, and TBA were decreased. Molecular experiments showed that CPP20 reduced cholesterol by regulating the mRNA expression of antioxidation-related genes (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) and genes related to the cholesterol metabolism (CYP7A1, CYP27A1, SREBP-2, HMGCR, and FXR) in liver. In addition, CPP20 alleviated intestinal microbiota disturbances in mice with hypercholesterolemia and increased levels of SCFAs. Therefore, CPP20 alleviates hypercholesterolemia by alleviating oxidative damage, maintaining cholesterol homeostasis, and regulating gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in regulating lipid digestion through the construction of various interfacial structures. In the present work, a series of complex interfacial structures were designed by combining Tween 80 in the aqueous phase and lecithin in the oil phase at different concentration ratios. The emulsification properties, the roles in regulating lipid digestion, and the interfacial dilatational rheological properties of the composite emulsifying systems were characterized. The results showed that the combination of Tween 80 and lecithin at different ratios could effectively modulate the rate of lipid digestion. The polyoxyethylene chains of Tween 80 formed a network, that provided a spatial obstacle for the adsorption of bile salts and lipases. Thus, Tween 80 significantly delayed the lipid digestion. The introduction of lecithin gradually replaced Tween 80 molecules at the interface, thus providing space for the adsorption of bile salts and lipases. In addition, as the ratio of lecithin concentration to Tween 80 increased, lecithin gradually became the dominant factor in the interfacial properties. As a result, the rate of lipid digestion was accelerated. Therefore, by compounding different ratios of lecithin and Tween 80, a series of emulsions with different lipid digestion rates were obtained. This research provides a basis for rationally designing food emulsions according to specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]