A Novel Bifidogenic Growth Stimulator Produced by Propionibacterium freudenreichii

Abstract

A novel bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGS) was present in the cell-free filtrate and in methanol extract fraction of the starter (Propionibacterium freudenreichii) cells for the manufacture of Swiss-type cheese. After purification of the BGS isolated from the lyophilized cells, the mass (217.037) was determined by high-resolution electron impact mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography-MS spectra. Various experimental analyses indicated that the chemical structure of the BGS was 2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (ACNQ). We examined the activity of the P. freudenreichii ET culture containing the BGS on a gut bacterial composition using an anaerobic continuous culture system and found that the BGS seems to enhance the selective utilization of oligosaccharides by bifidobacteria. Furthermore, a placebo-controlled study of the effects of BGS on fecal flora and stool frequency was carried out in healthy human subjects. A drink with the sterilized ET-3 culture was administered once a day for 7 days. Bifidobacterium percentage in the fecal flora and stool frequency were significantly increased by administration of the P. freudenreichii culture. The ACNQ exhibited growth stimulation of bifidobacteria at an extremely low concentration and enhanced the activities of NADH oxidase and NADH peroxidase in bifidobacteria. It was revealed that ACNQ works as a good electron acceptor of NAD(P)H diaphorase. The ACNQred was easily auto-oxidized and also acted as a better electron donor of NAD(P)H peroxidase. These ACNQ-mediated reactions seem to play roles in NAD(P)+-regeneration processes and seem to be responsible for the growth stimulation of bifidobacteria.

Dairy Propionibacteria: Less Conventional Probiotics to Improve the Human and Animal Health

“…This property has been demonstrated both in vitro [110,111,178,179], and in vivo [127,[180][181][182] and the bifidogenic growth stimulators (BGS) involved in this effect were identified. The active compounds that were present in supernatants of P. freudenreichii, P. jensenii and P.…”

“…acidipropionici were purified and identified as 2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphtoquinone (ACNQ) [110,178] and 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphtoic acid (DHNA) a precursor of menaquinone (vitamin K2) biosynthesis [111]. It has been proposed that these compounds serve as electron transfer mediators for NADP regeneration in bifidobacteria [183], thus favoring growth.…”

Influences of Prebio Support^TM (Mixture of Fermented Products of <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i> OLL2716 and <i>Propionibacterium</i> <i>freudenreichii</i> ET-3) on the Composition and Metabolic Activity of Fecal Microbiota in Calves

“…The high number of bifidobacteria found in the calves of the PS intake group may be related to the administration of the fermented products of P. freudenreichii. It is known that P. freudenreichii produces bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGS) (6, 7). BGS is present in the cell-free filtrate and in the methanol extract fraction of starter (P. freudenreichii) cells used in the manufacture of Swiss-type cheese (5).…”

Effects of Culture-Powder of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 on Fecal Microflora of Normal Adults

“…The BGS has a specific effect on the bifidobacterial growth of intestinal bacteria at extremely low concentrations (8,16). Furthermore, the BGS action in human fecal culture was examined using a 2-stage, anaerobic continuous culture system inoculated with human feces (8).…”

“…The BGS has a specific effect on the bifidobacterial growth of intestinal bacteria at extremely low concentrations (8,16). Furthermore, the BGS action in human fecal culture was examined using a 2-stage, anaerobic continuous culture system inoculated with human feces (8). When a medium supplemented with 1% (vol/ vol) sterilized P. freudenreichii culture was used in this continuous culture system, the growth of bifidobacteria and acetate production were greatly enhanced, especially one day after incubation.…”