61 research outputs found
A clinical report highlighting some factors influencing successful vaginal colonization with probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus
Description of the draft genome sequence of Streptococcus salivarius eK12, a derivative of the probiotic strain Streptococcus salivarius K12 with a modified plasmid
: The draft genome of Streptococcus salivarius eK12, a derivative of the strain K12 with a modified plasmid (pRSSL1), is presented. eK12 was engineered to enhance its probiotic properties against S. pyogenes (GAS) by modulating salivabactin production and interfering with a GAS quorum sensing pathway
Use of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in supporting the mucosal immune function of active young subjects: A randomised double-blind study
Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the most common illnesses affecting athletes, causing absences from training and competition. Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the main immune factor in saliva, and a consistent association between low concentrations of sIgA and an increased incidence of URTIs has been reported. The oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 has been suggested to have the potential to improve oral diseases and mucosal barrier function. However, the effects of this probiotic on active young subjects performing a high-intensity training (HIT) program have not been investigated. Methods: Active young students were randomised into a treated group (S. salivarius K12) and a control (placebo) group and asked to take the product daily for 30 days. After this period, participants performed a graded exercise test and five HIT sessions, all within 3 days. They were also asked to complete the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey daily to monitor URTI's presence. Before and after the 30 days, and at 0h, 24h and 72h after the last training session, saliva samples were collected to quantify sIgA level, secretion rate, and flow. The effect of S. salivarius K12 intake on these parameters was tested using an ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: Twenty (M = 14, F = 6) young subjects (23.5 ± 2.3 years old) participated in the study. The total accumulated training load (sRPE) in the supplementation period was similar in the two groups (treated: 4345 ± 3441 AU; control: 4969 ± 4165 AU; p > 0.05). Considering both sIgA level and secretion rate, significant time (F(4,15) = 3.38; p = 0.037; F(4,15) = 6.00; p = 0.004) and time×group interactions (F(4,15) = 2.49; p = 0.049; F(4,15) = 5.01; p = 0.009) were reported, with the treated group showing higher sIgA levels at 72h post-exercise and increased secretion rate both at 0h and 72h. The number of URTI episodes was similar in the treated and control groups (χ2 = 1.83; p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that relatively short-term S. salivarius K12 supplementation increased sIgA level and secretion in healthy subjects performing a demanding exercise-training programme composed of HIT sessions
Berberine and Dyslipidemia: Different Applications and Biopharmaceutical Formulations Without Statin-Like Molecules—A Meta-Analysis
The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of berberine taken alone or in other formulations (with silymarin or other mixtures) on dyslipidemia through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis. A systematic investigation was conducted on 19 studies that were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both controlled trials (n = 12) and cross-sectional trials (n = 7) were included. The following formulations were examined: berberine used alone (n = 5), berberine combined with silymarin (n = 8), and other mixture containing berberine (n = 6). A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model and meta-regression. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were considered. Moreover, possible associations of each parameter with age and the dose and duration of the treatment were analyzed. The data obtained showed a significant reduction in TC and LDL cholesterol for each formulation. A reduction in triglycerides was also observed for both TC and LDL but with a smaller impact. As regards HDL, a slight increase was observed, but it was not statistically significant. The formulation of berberine in association with silymarin was found to have the greatest impact on TC, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The greater efficacy of the formulation consisting of berberine associated with silymarin can probably be accounted for by the fact that the latter increases the bioavailability of berberine. However, it is necessary to carry out further clinical studies to better define the efficacy of the treatment and which patients show the best response
Targeted probiotic therapy in irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical evaluation on Clostridium butyricum CBM588 and Bifidobacterium longum W11.
Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional
gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain,
bloating, and altered bowel habits. Probiotic-based strategies are increasingly
being explored for IBS management, with growing interest in strain-specific
applications.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Clostridium
butyricum CBM588 and Bifidobacterium longum W11 in IBS patients with
diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) and constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
symptoms, respectively.
Methods: A total of 51 IBS patients were recruited and stratified into two groups:
IBS-D patients received C. butyricum CBM588 (Butirrisan®), while IBS-C patients
received B. longum W11 (Bowell®). Symptom severity was assessed using the
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) before and after a
3-month intervention. Generalized linear models and regression analyses were
used to evaluate treatment effects.
Results: Both probiotic formulations significantly reduced IBS-SSS scores,
particularly improving bloating, abdominal pain, and overall quality of life. The
impact of treatment was independent of age, though greater improvements in
bloating and life interference were observed in older IBS-C patients. A direct
correlation between baseline symptom severity and symptom reduction was
identified, suggesting higher efficacy in more severe cases.
Conclusion: This study supports the use of C. butyricum CBM588 and B. longum
W11 as effective probiotic interventions for IBS-D and IBS-C, respectively. Their
strain-specific benefits highlight the potential of targeted probiotic strategies in
IBS management. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up
periods are recommended to confirm and expand these findings
The impact of track and field training on dynapenia: gender differences in age-related decline of vertical jump performance among older adults
IntroductionAlongside sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength and power, known as dynapenia, increases the risk of functional disability and mortality in older adults. However, engaging in sporting activities during old age appears to enhance functional capacity. The differences in effects between athletes and sedentary individuals, as well as between genders, have yet to be fully clarified.MethodsThe vertical jump test is recognized as a measure of lower limb performance with almost no learning effect. In the present study, we quantified age-related countermovement jump (CMJ) height loss in 120 subjects over 58 years old among both master athletes and sedentary counterparts, and analysed gender differences.ResultsBoth male and female master athletes showed significantly higher jump heights results than their sedentary counterparts (male athletes 28.5 ± 4.3 cm vs. male sedentaries 15.1 ± 5.2 cm; p < 0.01; female athletes 22.7 ± 2.5 cm vs. female sedentaries 8.2 ± 3.3 cm; p < 0.01). Female athletes were found to have higher CMJ performance than even sedentary men (p < 0.01). The rate of decline in jumping ability was the same for male athletes and non-athletes, but female athletes had the shallower rate of decline of all the groups observed (2.78 cm per decade).DiscussionSporting activity in the older age allows both men and women to perform at a higher level, with the latter also benefiting from a slower rate of decline, which can have a positive impact on functional ability and quality of life
A pilot trial on subjects with lactose and/or oligosaccharides intolerance treated with a fixed mixture of pure and enteric-coated α- and ß-galactosidase
Francesco Di Pierro,1 Alexander Bertuccioli,2 Eleonora Marini,3 Leandro Ivaldi4 1Velleja Research, Milan, Italy; 2Italian Association Fitness and Medicine, Fano, PU, Italy; 3Pharmextracta, Pontenure, Piacenza, Italy; 4Digestive Endoscopic Department, Ceva Hospital, Ceva, Cuneo, Italy Aim: Lactose and complex carbohydrates maldigestion, common food intolerances due to low gut content of α- and ß-galactosidase, lead to abdominal symptoms including pain, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and cramping. Commonly, intolerant patients are advised by physicians to avoid the offending foods (dairy foods, cereals, beans, etc). This food-limiting option, however, has possible nutritional risks. We have therefore evaluated the impact of using pure, enteric-coated α- plus ß-galactosidase on gut symptoms in intolerant subjects instead of avoidance of the offending foods. Methods: Sixteen subjects intolerant to lactose and/or complex carbohydrates were enrolled and evaluated in terms of gut symptoms with 1) uncontrolled diet, 2) diet devoid of offending foods, and 3) uncontrolled diet along with pure, enteric-coated α- and ß-galactosidase (DDM Galactosidase®). Results: Even with the uncontrolled diet, intolerant subjects treated with DDM Galactosidase® exhibited reduced gut symptoms (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation) significantly better than the control treatment as well as having a diet devoid of offending foods. Conclusion: DDM Galactosidase® is a valid and safe optional treatment to counteract lactose and complex carbohydrate intolerance in subjects who prefer not to avoid, at least partially, offending foods. Keywords: lactase, lactose intolerance, complex carbohydrate intoleranc
Can a combination of probiotics and nutraceuticals help preventing the abemaciclib-related diarrhea in breast cancer patients?
Case report: multiple electrolyte disturbance with severe neurological manifestations induced by chronic use of PPIs
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