Gastrointestinal stress as innate defence against microbial attack

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been bestowed with the most difficult task of protecting the underlying biological compartments from the resident commensal flora and the potential pathogens in transit through the GI tract. It has a unique environment in which several defence tactics are at play while maintaining homeostasis and health. The GI tract shows myriad number of environmental extremes, which includes pH variations, anaerobic conditions, nutrient limitations, elevated osmolarity etc., which puts a check to colonization and growth of nonfriendly microbial strains. The GI tract acts as a highly selective barrier/platform for ingested food and is the primary playground for balance between the resident and uninvited organisms. This review focuses on antimicrobial defense mechanisms of different sections of human GI tract. In addition, the protective mechanisms used by microbes to combat the human GI defence systems are also discussed. The ability to survive this innate defence mechanism determines the capability of probiotic or pathogen strains to confer health benefits or induce clinical events respectively.

Evaluation of the composition and quality of watermelon and mango juices fermented by Levilactobacillus brevis, Lacticaseibacillus casei and Pediococcus pentosaceus and subsequent simulated digestion and storage

“…In the presence of bile salts, the LAB cellular membrane becomes damaged by solubilisation and the bile salt cytoplasmic accumulation affects homeostasis, leading to ion leakages, oxidative stress, misfolding or denaturation of proteins (González‐Rodríguez et al., 2013). Tolerance to bile salts and acidic stomach is LAB strain and species specific (Panwar et al., 2020). By the end of digestion, all the LAB cell counts were still above 7 log CFU mL −1 in both juices.…”

Bispecific Antibody-Based Immune-Cell Engagers and Their Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Immunotherapy

“…Mucin 17 (MUC17) is a 452-kDa type I membrane-associated mucin that is expressed on the apical surface of gastrointestinal epithelial cells [ 80 , 81 , 82 ]. As a key component of the mucosal layer, MUC17 has been suggested to play a crucial role in the restoration and protection of epithelial cells [ 80 ].…”

Lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers as potential probiotic candidates

“…These microorganisms are commonly isolated from traditional fermented foods and dairy products. Much research suggests that LAB strains from animal and human origin may have a good survival against gastric and intestinal stress factors; making them promising probiotic candidates (Panwar et al, 2021;Thakur et al, 2016). The high carbohydrate content, nutrient availability and the acidic environment of fruits and vegetables may favor the growth of LAB.…”