Controlling Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis with Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria that Produce Bacteriocins

Abstract

This study explores the potential of using probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that produce bacteriocins as a novel approach to controlling gut microbiota dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiota, is implicated in various health disorders. Probiotic LAB have gained attention for their ability to promote a balanced gut microbiota. Bacteriocin-producing LAB offer an added advantage by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial microbes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms of probiotic LAB and their bacteriocins in modulating gut microbiota composition. Additionally, key clinical studies and potential applications of bacteriocin-producing LAB in mitigating gut dysbiosis are discussed.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The intricate interplay between the human host and the vast community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiota, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Mounting evidence suggests that dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, is associated with various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic disorders, and immune system dysregulation (4, 5). Addressing gut dysbiosis has become a focal point in therapeutic interventions, and probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have emerged as promising candidates for restoring microbial equilibrium. LAB, such as certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, exhibit probiotic properties and are recognized for their ability to positively modulate the gut microbiota (6). One intriguing avenue within this field involves the use of probiotic LAB that produce bacteriocins—small, antimicrobial peptides with the potential to selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria. Bacteriocin-producing LAB offer a dual benefit by not only promoting a beneficial microbial balance but also exerting antimicrobial effects against pathogenic counterparts (7).

This paper explores the current scientific understanding of controlling gut microbiota dysbiosis through the strategic utilization of probiotic LAB capable of bacteriocin production. By examining key studies and advancements in this area, we aim to elucidate the potential applications and therapeutic implications of harnessing these beneficial microorganisms in the quest for gut health restoration.

A. Understanding Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota consists of trillions of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, which collectively form a dynamic and diverse community. A healthy gut microbiota is characterized by a balanced and diverse population of microorganisms, promoting various metabolic and immunological functions. Dysbiosis disrupts this equilibrium, resulting in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial ones. Common factors contributing to dysbiosis include dietary choices, antibiotic usage, stress, and genetic predisposition.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Selection and Cultivation of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB): Obtain a collection of LAB strains with potential probiotic properties, including the ability to produce bacteriocins. Cultivate LAB strains in appropriate growth media under controlled conditions, including temperature, pH, and aeration (1).
2. Bacteriocin Production and Extraction: Inoculate LAB strains into production media optimized for bacteriocin production. Incubate the cultures and monitor bacterial growth and bacteriocin production over time. Harvest bacteriocins through methods such as centrifugation, filtration, or precipitation (2).
3. Sample Collection and Analysis: Collect fecal samples at specific time points to assess changes in the gut microbiota composition using techniques like 16S rRNA sequencing. Analyze fecal samples for the presence and abundance of specific dysbiosis-associated bacteria.
4. Statistical Analysis: Perform statistical analyses (e.g., ANOVA, t-tests, or non-parametric tests) to evaluate the significance of differences in microbiota composition between control and probiotic-treated groups. Interpret the results to determine the effectiveness of probiotic LAB strains in mitigating gut microbiota dysbiosis (3).

III. RESULTS

A. Consequences of Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been associated with a range of health issues, including:

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Dysbiosis is linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and constipation.
2. Metabolic Disorders: Alterations in gut microbiota composition are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
3. Autoimmune Diseases: Dysbiosis is implicated in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
4. Mental Health: There is emerging evidence of a gut-brain connection, suggesting that dysbiosis may contribute to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

B. Bacteriocins: Nature's Antibiotics

Bacteriocins are small, antimicrobial peptides produced by certain bacteria, including LAB. These peptides have garnered attention due to their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes. Bacteriocins function by disrupting the cell membranes or interfering with cellular processes of susceptible bacteria, making them a potent natural defense mechanism.

C. Bacteriocin-Producing Probiotic LAB

Certain strains of LAB, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, have been identified as probiotics capable of producing bacteriocins. These LAB strains exhibit several advantages:

1. Targeted Antibacterial Activity: Bacteriocin-producing LAB specifically target pathogenic bacteria, contributing to the restoration of gut microbial balance.
2. Gut Microbiota Restoration: By inhibiting harmful bacteria, these probiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, aiding in gut microbiota restoration.
3. Reduced Inflammation: The control of pathogenic bacteria by bacteriocins can lead to reduced inflammation in the gut, potentially benefiting individuals with inflammatory conditions.
4. Antibiotic Alternatives: Bacteriocins offer an alternative to antibiotics, which can disrupt the gut microbiota and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Data of two different strains of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB), A and B, over a period of time in a controlled environment. This data represents the colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter:

Table 1: Different strains of LAB over a period of time.

This data suggests the growth dynamics of two strains of probiotic LAB over a 10-hour period, showcasing an increase in colony-forming units over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the data reveals a clear growth pattern for both strains A and B of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) over the specified time frame in a controlled environment. Strain A consistently demonstrated higher colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter compared to Strain B at each time point, indicating its superior proliferation. This information is valuable for understanding and optimizing the performance of these strains in various applications, emphasizing the potential benefits of Strain A in practical scenarios. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is a prevalent issue associated with various health concerns. Bacteriocin-producing probiotic LAB offer a promising avenue for restoring microbial balance, targeting pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial ones. While more research is needed to fully understand their potential, these LAB strains represent a natural and targeted approach to address gut dysbiosis and its associated health problems.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Archana Patil, Manish Agrawal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.