Pharmacokinetics of Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826, Lactobacillus fermentum KLD, and Lactococcus lactis MG 1363 in the human gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Objectives: Genetically modified lactic acid bacteria may be a way to deliver vaccinal epitopes in the gastrointestinal tract. Aim: Three strains of lactic acid bacteria were studied for their pharmacokinetics in the human gastrointestinal tract. Methods: The survival of the strains was studied up to the ileum in six subjects each, after ingestion of 150 g of fermented milk. The strains and their concentrations in the products were Lactobacillus fermentum KLD (107 cfu/g), Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 (108 cfu/g), and Lactococcus lactis MG 1363 (108 cfu/g). Ileal fluid was aspirated by intestinal intubation and immediately cultured. L. plantarum NCIMB 8826, which was found in high concentrations in the ileum, was studied for its survival in the faeces after consumption of 150 g of fermented milk three times daily for 7 days. Faecal samples were collected for culture. Results: The concentration of L. plantarum NCIMB 8826 in the ileum reached 108 cfu/mL after a single dose, with a survival of 7%. L. fermentum KLD and Lc. lactis MG 1363 had lower (0.5 and 1.0%, respectively) and shorter (4 h) survival in the ileum. During the 7‐day ingestion period, L. plantarum NCIMB 8826 reached high concentrations (108 cfu/g) in the faeces, with a survival of 25 ± 29%. None of the strains colonized. Conclusions: L. plantarum NCIMB 8826 has a promising pharmacokinetic profile as a candidate vaccine vehicle.

Differential NF-κB pathways induction by Lactobacillus plantarum in the duodenum of healthy humans correlating with immune tolerance

“…Although consumed in a live state, some proportion of the L. plantarum culture will probably not survive stomach passage. Nevertheless, several studies show that L. plantarum displays relatively favorable survival in the human intestinal tract (50,51). The results imply that consumption of nonpathogenic L. plantarum modulates in vivo transcriptional profiles of the proximal small intestinal mucosa involved in innate and adaptive immune responses.…”

Discovering lactic acid bacteria by genomics

“…The ability to adhere to specific regions of the GI tract is a property which has stimulated research aimed at the use of lactobacilli as delivery-vehicles for therapeutic compounds such as immunomodulators, antibodies, enzymes and vaccines (Marteau & Rambaud 1993Hols et al 1997Slos et al 1998). Lactobacillus plantarum arrives in the small intestine in an active state (Vesa et al 2000) and is frequently encountered as a natural inhabitant of the human gastro-intestinal tract (Ahrne et al 1998). Some strains are being marketed as probiotic.…”

Biodiversity-Based Identification and Functional Characterization of the Mannose-Specific Adhesin ofLactobacillus plantarum

“…This versatile species has the capacity to adapt to a variety of environmental conditions. In addition, L. plantarum strains have been shown to effectively survive gastrointestinal passage after oral administration and persist in the intestine of healthy volunteers for up to 11 days after cessation (17,24,56). These findings have led to the selection of L. plantarum strains that are currently marketed as probiotics, claimed to be functional food components that provide beneficial effects to the consumer's health (25,34,42).…”