Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 8918

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Fermented Food Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
Interests: fermentation; food; probiotic; Lactobacillus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the past decade, studies on lactic acid bacteria have accumulated a wealth of useful information on microbial properties, innate immunity, gastrointestinal health, and interaction with the host, which has significantly affected commercial market expansion. However, there are emerging demands for “nest-generation probiotics”, which are regarded to be novel functional LABs with beneficial effects on diverse health problems. Another newly emerging area of lactic acid bacteria is postbiotics defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host” by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Many fermented products by LABs can produce a range of metabolites that are related to diverse health-promoting effects, even though nothing has been conclusively established.

This Special Issue, entitled "Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus", aims to present recent research on any aspect of the novel Lactobacillus derived from diverse sources of natural, animal, and plant origin in addition to their fermented products, in addition to recent research findings on postbiotics. Some of its focal points include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Recent scientific findings of novel probiotic properties of Lactobacillus and their effects on human health
  • Novel techniques to isolate Lactobacillus and the evaluation of their functional properties
  • Postbiotic properties of Lactobacillus and their functional study
  • Industrial application of Lactobacillus for preparation of novel functional foods

Reviews, original research, and communications will be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sang-Ho Baik
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2842 KiB  
Article
Modulation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Fed Different Postbiotics and a Probiotic from Lactobacilli
by Mark Rawling, Marion Schiavone, Amélie Mugnier, Eric Leclercq, Daniel Merrifield, Andrew Foey and Emmanuelle Apper
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122900 - 30 Nov 2023
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Abstract
It is generally accepted that microbes play a critical role in maintaining gut barrier function, making them ideal to target in order to mitigate the effects of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease with specialist supplementations such as probiotic or postbiotic preparations. [...] Read more.
It is generally accepted that microbes play a critical role in maintaining gut barrier function, making them ideal to target in order to mitigate the effects of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease with specialist supplementations such as probiotic or postbiotic preparations. In this study, specific strains of Lactobacillus helvictus both live and inactivated and Lactobacillus plantarum inactivated were fed to zebrafish at an inclusion level of 6 × 106 cells/g in order to assess the effects on gut barrier function and protection. Taken together, our results indicate that dietary administration of pro- or postbiotics strengthens the gut barrier function and innate immunity of healthy zebrafish in a strain-specific and process-dependent way. With some differences in the response intensity, the three treatments led to increased intestinal villi length and proportion of IELs, reinforcement of the GC population and up-regulated expression of biomarkers of AMP production and tight junction zona-occludin 2a (zo-2a). In addition, LPPost had an impact on the adaptive immune response, and we hypothesized that it conferred the potential to drive Th17/ILC3 immunity, as suggested by its effect on the gene expression of il22, of different AMPs, and the expression of zo2a. Moreover, LPPost showed the potential to drive Th1/ILC1-like immunity, with a higher percentage of CD8+ cells and higher ifnγ gene expression. In summary, the use of inactivated Lactobacilli species in this study represented a promising strategy for improving barrier function and regulating the immune fate of the intestinal mucosa in a strain-specific way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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17 pages, 1562 KiB  
Article
Immune-Stimulating Potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LM1019 in RAW 264.7 Cells and Immunosuppressed Mice Induced by Cyclophosphamide
by Yeji You, Sung-Hwan Kim, Chul-Hong Kim, In-Hwan Kim, YoungSup Shin, Tae-Rahk Kim, Minn Sohn and Jeseong Park
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092312 - 13 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1020
Abstract
Probiotics, including Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), have gained recognition for their potential health benefits, such as enhancing immune function, maintaining gut health, and improving nutrient absorption. This study investigated the effectiveness of L. rhamnosus LM1019 (LM1019) in enhancing immune function. In [...] Read more.
Probiotics, including Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), have gained recognition for their potential health benefits, such as enhancing immune function, maintaining gut health, and improving nutrient absorption. This study investigated the effectiveness of L. rhamnosus LM1019 (LM1019) in enhancing immune function. In RAW 264.7 cells, LM1019 demonstrated dose-dependent immune stimulation by increasing nitric oxide production, gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These effects were mediated through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation without inducing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, orally administered LM1019 was evaluated in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). High-dose administration of LM1019 significantly increased the subpopulations of lymphocytes, specifically helper T cells (CD4+), as well as two subtypes of natural killer (NK) cells, namely, IFN-γ+ and granzyme B+ NK cells. Additionally, LM1019 at a high dose led to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-12, compared to CTX-treated mice. These findings highlight the potential of LM1019 in enhancing the immune system. The study contributes to the growing body of research on the beneficial effects of probiotics on immune function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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29 pages, 5883 KiB  
Article
Comparative Structure Analysis of the Multi-Domain, Cell Envelope Proteases of Lactic Acid Bacteria
by Lise Friis Christensen, Magnus Haraldson Høie, Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen, Paolo Marcatili and Egon Bech Hansen
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092256 - 08 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1118
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have an extracellular proteolytic system that includes a multi-domain, cell envelope protease (CEP) with a subtilisin homologous protease domain. These CEPs have different proteolytic activities despite having similar protein sequences. Structural characterization has previously been limited to CEP homologs [...] Read more.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have an extracellular proteolytic system that includes a multi-domain, cell envelope protease (CEP) with a subtilisin homologous protease domain. These CEPs have different proteolytic activities despite having similar protein sequences. Structural characterization has previously been limited to CEP homologs of dairy- and human-derived LAB strains, excluding CEPs of plant-derived LAB strains. CEP structures are a challenge to determine experimentally due to their large size and attachment to the cell envelope. This study aims to clarify the prevalence and structural diversity of CEPs by using the structure prediction software AlphaFold 2. Domain boundaries are clarified based on a comparative analysis of 21 three-dimensional structures, revealing novel domain architectures of CEP homologs that are not necessarily restricted to specific LAB species or ecological niches. The C-terminal flanking region of the protease domain is divided into fibronectin type-III-like domains with various structural traits. The analysis also emphasizes the existence of two distinct domains for cell envelope attachment that are preceded by an intrinsically disordered cell wall spanning domain. The domain variants and their combinations provide CEPs with different stability, proteolytic activity, and potentially adhesive properties, making CEPs targets for steering proteolytic activity with relevance for both food development and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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13 pages, 1396 KiB  
Article
Probiotic Properties of Pediococcus pentosaceus JBCC 106 and Its Lactic Acid Fermentation on Broccoli Juice
by Sang-Kyu Park, Hao Jin, Nho-Eul Song and Sang-Ho Baik
Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081920 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1244
Abstract
To understand the biological roles of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains as probiotics isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food, Jangajji, Pediococcus pentosaceus was selected based on its high cinnamoyl esterase (CE) and antioxidant activities. The acid and bile stability, intestinal adhesion, antagonistic activity [...] Read more.
To understand the biological roles of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains as probiotics isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food, Jangajji, Pediococcus pentosaceus was selected based on its high cinnamoyl esterase (CE) and antioxidant activities. The acid and bile stability, intestinal adhesion, antagonistic activity against human pathogens, cholesterol-lowering effects, and immune system stimulation without inflammatory effects were evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in co-culture with various bacterial stimulants. Fermentation ability was measured by using a broccoli matrix and the sulforaphane levels were measured. Resistance to acidic and bilious conditions and 8% adherence to Caco-2 cells were observed. Cholesterol levels were lowered by 51% by assimilation. Moreover, these strains exhibited immunomodulatory properties with induction of macrophage TNF-α and IL-6 and had microstatic effects on various pathogens. Co-culture with various bacterial stimulants resulted in increased NO production. Fermentation activity was increased with the strains, and higher sulforaphane levels were observed. Therefore, in the future, the applicability of the selected strain to broccoli matrix-based fermented functional foods should be confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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15 pages, 11618 KiB  
Article
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 Improves Recovery from Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Microbiota Modulation
by Dong-Yeon Kim, Tae-Sung Lee, Do-Hyeon Jung, Eun-Jung Song, Ah-Ra Jang, Ji-Yeon Park, Jae-Hun Ahn, In-Su Seo, Seung-Ju Song, Yeong-Jun Kim, Yun-Ji Lee, Yeon-Ji Lee and Jong-Hwan Park
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051359 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1915
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal chronic inflammatory disease, and its incidence is steadily increasing. IBD is closely related to the intestinal microbiota, and probiotics are known to be a potential therapeutic agent for IBD. In our study, we evaluated the protective [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal chronic inflammatory disease, and its incidence is steadily increasing. IBD is closely related to the intestinal microbiota, and probiotics are known to be a potential therapeutic agent for IBD. In our study, we evaluated the protective effect of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001, isolated from Baechu kimchi, on dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The oral administration of L. sakei CVL-001 according to the experimental schedule alleviated weight loss and disease activity in the mice with colitis. Furthermore, the length and histopathology of the colon improved. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1β genes decreased in the colons of mice that were administered L. sakei CVL-001, whereas that of IL-10 increased. The expressions of genes coding for E-cadherin, claudin3, occludin, and mucin were also restored. In co-housed conditions, L. sakei CVL-001 administration did not improve disease activity, colon length, and histopathology. Microbiota analysis revealed that L. sakei CVL-001 administration increased the abundance of microbiota and altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and decreased Proteobacteria. In conclusion, L. sakei CVL-001 administration protects mice from DSS-induced colitis by regulating immune response and intestinal integrity via gut microbiota modulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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17 pages, 3755 KiB  
Article
Gochujang Ameliorates Hepatic Inflammation by Improving Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
by Eun-Ji Lee, Olivet Chiamaka Edward, Eun-Bi Seo, Eun-Gyung Mun, Su-Ji Jeong, Gwangsu Ha, Anna Han and Youn-Soo Cha
Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040911 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
Abnormal fat accumulation with gut microbiota dysbiosis results in hepatic inflammation by upregulating the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokine. Gochujang, a traditional fermented condiment, has beneficial effects, such as anti-colonic inflammatory effects. However, Gochujang has been controversial because of its [...] Read more.
Abnormal fat accumulation with gut microbiota dysbiosis results in hepatic inflammation by upregulating the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokine. Gochujang, a traditional fermented condiment, has beneficial effects, such as anti-colonic inflammatory effects. However, Gochujang has been controversial because of its high salt content (the Korean Paradox). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the preventative effects of Gochujang on hepatic inflammation and related gut microbiota through discussing the Korean Paradox. The mice were divided into groups including a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), HD with salt (SALT), HD with a high percentage of beneficial microbiota Gochujang (HBM), and HD with diverse beneficial microbiota Gochujang (DBM). Gochujang markedly reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic injury, and inflammation response. Furthermore, Gochujang attenuated protein expression involved in the JNK/IκB/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, Gochujang regulated the gut microbiota-derived LPS production and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Gochujang regulated the levels of gut microbiota such as Bacteroides, Muribaculum, Lactobacillus, and Enterorhabdus, which were correlated with hepatic inflammation. Salt did not have foregoing effects, meaning that the salt content in Gochujang did not affect its anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, Gochujang showed anti-hepatic inflammation effects via reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic injury, and inflammatory response together with reorganization of gut microbiota dysbiosis regardless of salt content and the difference of micro bacteria composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)
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