The Exopolysaccharide of Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C Is Partially Involved in Its Immunomodulatory Effect and Its Ability to Improve the Resistance against Helicobacter pylori Infection

Abstract

Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C (Lf979C) beneficially modulates the cytokine response of gastric epithelial cells and macrophages after Helicobacter pylori infection in vitro. Nevertheless, no in vivo studies were performed with this strain to confirm its beneficial immunomodulatory effects. This work evaluated whether Lf979C improves protection against H. pylori infection in mice by modulating the innate immune response. In addition, we evaluated whether its exopolysaccharide (EPS) was involved in its beneficial effects. Lf979C significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1 and augmented IFN-γ and IL-10 in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice. The differential cytokine profile induced by Lf979C in H. pylori-infected mice correlated with an improved reduction in the pathogen gastric colonization and protection against inflammatory damage. The purified EPS of Lf979C reduced IL-8 and enhanced IL-10 levels in the gastric mucosa of infected mice, while no effect was observed for IFN-γ. This work demonstrates for the first time the in vivo ability of Lf979C to increase resistance against H. pylori infection by modulating the gastric innate immune response. In addition, we advanced knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of Lf979C by demonstrating that its EPS is partially responsible for its immunomodulatory effect.

Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris

“…Taking into account that some studies have reported the ability of probiotic microorganisms administered orally to exert beneficial effects on the skin [ 40 , 41 , 42 ], we decided to study the ability of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 to resist simulated gastrointestinal conditions in vitro . These studies were carried out in comparison with the probiotic strain L. fermentum UCO-979C [ 43 , 44 ]. W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 was capable of growing at pH 3; however, its growth was significantly reduced in the medium of pH 2 ( Figure 2 ).…”

“…fermentum UCO-979C [43,44]. W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 was capable of growing at pH 3; however, its growth was significantly reduced in the medium of pH 2 (Figure 2).…”

Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of a Lactobacillus sp. PW-7 Exopolysaccharide

“…The authors declare no conflict of interest. Prior work suggested EPS had an inhibitory effect on H. pylori; however, the antibacterial effect of EPS components on H. pylori was not further analyzed [24,25]. It was found that the EPS (EPSWLD and EPSMLD) produced by wild-type and mutant L. delbrueckii contained monosaccharides such as ribose, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, fructose, glucose, mannose, and galactose, and the EPS inhibited Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus.…”

“…Liu et al found that EPS enhanced rUreB-specific protective immunity against H. pylori [24]. L. fermentum UCO-979C EPS also inhibits H. pylori colonization [25].…”

Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides Producers: A Sustainable Tool for Functional Foods

“…Recently, it has been reported that EPS secreted by Lim. fermentum UCO-979C was able to reduce H. pylori adhesion (~30%) in both in vitro and in vivo studies, being also involved in ameliorating the immune response in H. pylori infections [ 154 ].…”