The combination of mixed lactic acid bacteria and dietary fiber lowers serum cholesterol levels and fecal harmful enzyme activities in rats

Abstract

Probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and prebiotics such as fiber are generally considered beneficial for health. These affect the microflora composition and fermentation metabolites and consequently contribute to local and systemic effects in humans. The beneficial effects of probiotics can be improved when combined with prebiotics. Here we investigated the effects of a mixed LAB supplement combined with dietary fiber on the population of LAB in the gut, as well as on serum cholesterol levels, fecal water content and microbial harmful enzyme activities. For animal studies, 0.2 mL of mixed LAB (Bifidobacterium longum SPM1205, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and SAFELAC isolated from Pediococcus pentosaceus) supplement (10(7) ∼ 10(8) colony forming units per day) was orally administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats every day for 2 weeks along with a diet containing 5% or 10% cellulose. The mixed LAB supplement combined with dietary cellulose significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL levels. This combination also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the population of LAB and the fecal water content and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial harmful enzyme (β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase and tryptophanase) activities. These effects of LAB were particularly improved by its combination with 5% cellulose compared to the control (a diet without cellulose), and the 5% cellulose combination was more effective than the 10% cellulose combination. In conclusion, the incorporation of a fibrous diet such as cellulose with lactic acid bacteria improved the population of LAB, and daily consumption of this combination could reduce the serum cholesterol levels and activities of harmful enzymes such as β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, tryptophanase, urease in rats.

Characteristics of Nutraceutical Yoghurt Mousse Fortified with Chia Seeds

“…High fiber contents in chia seeds lead to increase the population of LAB and the fecal water content and reduce microbial harmful enzyme (β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase and tryptophanase) activities. Lee et al,(2011). From the same table it could be also observed that spore form count recorded highest number in yoghurt mousse with 1% chia seeds, followed by the control treatment, while yoghurt mousse with 2% and 3% recorded the lowest spore counts.…”

In vitro fermentation behaviors of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from Pearsonothuria graeffei by human gut microflora

“…Moreover, numerous studies have suggested that some genera of bacteria in gut have the ability to produce harmful enzymes (eg, urease, β-glucuronidase and azoreductase), and potentially toxic compounds (e.g., ammonia) in the intestinal tract [42][43][44]. In the present study, the SCFA fermentation products of FCS-pg result in a lower pH environment (Table 2), which plays a role in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and influencing harmful enzyme activities in the human intestine, reducing the intestinal absorption of potentially toxic compounds.…”

Effect of a mixture of GOS/FOS® on calcium absorption and retention during recovery from protein malnutrition: experimental model in growing rats

“…Tryptophanase activity was assayed using tryptophan as substrate, and urease activity was determined using urea as substrate. The reactions were measured by spectrophotometry at 405, 550 or 610 nm, respectively (Metrolab 2100, Argentina) [16,25,26].…”

“…NDFO modifies the colonic microbiota increasing the proliferation and activity of beneficial bacteria against pathogenic species [16][17][18][19]. This shift in the composition of the enteric microbiota dramatically changes the bacterial metabolic products released into the gut.…”