A Dried Yeast Fermentate Selectively Modulates both the Luminal and Mucosal Gut Microbiota and Protects against Inflammation, As Studied in an Integrated in Vitro Approach

Abstract

EpiCor, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been shown to have immunomodulating properties in human clinical trials and in vitro. However, the underlying mechanisms behind its immune protection via the gut remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use an integrated in vitro approach to evaluate the metabolism of EpiCor by the intestinal microflora, its modulating effect on the gut microbiota, and its anti-inflammatory activity on human-derived cell lines. Using the SHIME model, in combination with a mucus adhesion assay, has shown that low doses of EpiCor have a prebiotic-like modulatory effect on the luminal- and mucosa-associated microbiota. These include gradual changes in general community structure, reduction of potential pathogens, quantitative increase in lactobacilli, and qualitative modulation of bifidobacteria. Moreover, by combination of the SHIME with Caco-2 cells and Caco-2/THP1 cocultures, a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed at the end of the treatment period.

Mitigation of heat stress-related complications by a yeast fermentate product

“…In this study, pre-treatment with EH prevented LPS release into circulation in rats exposed to heat. We can speculate that beneficial modulation of gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory activity of EH, demonstrated previously (Possemiers et al, 2013), contribute to the protective effect of this yeast fermentate.…”

“…Previous studies showed that EH exhibits strong prebiotic properties (Possemiers et al, 2011). This product possess significant anti-inflammatory activity, selectively enhanced butyrate production in vitro (Jensen et al, 2008a;Possemiers et al, 2013) and supports mucosal defense in clinical trials (Jensen et al, 2008b). We hypothesize that this yeast fermentate could be effective in the prevention of heat stress adverse effects.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Dried FermentateIn VitroandIn Vivo

“…16 Recent work has documented that the dried fermentate retains anti-inflammatory properties after in vitro digestion, as shown by the reduction in interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by Caco-2/THP-1 cocultures exposed to the dried fermentate from the dynamic gastrointestinal simulator SHIME Ò . 18 In the SHIME model, the dried fermentate also showed significant prebiotic potential, including modulation of the microbiota. The fermentate promoted probiotic bacterial strains capable of production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, which was produced at higher levels than in the presence of the known prebiotics inulin and fructooligosaccharide.…”

“…This direct mechanism would be in addition to the anti-inflammatory effect that happens when the product is fermented by probiotic gut bacteria, in part due to increased butyrate production. 18 An unbalanced immune activation, in response to pathogens from the gut lumen, has been implicated as a risk factor for many chronic inflammatory conditions, including irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. It has been a contributing factor in obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer disease, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and has been implicated in neoplasia.…”

“…16 Other aspects associated with the dried fermentate consumption include beneficial effects on gut health. 17,18 The aim of this study was to expand the understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of this dried yeast fermentate by documenting specific effects on controlled inflammatory insults in vitro and in vivo.…”