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Supplementation of Konjac Glucomannan into a Low-Fiber Chinese Diet Promoted Bowel Movement and Improved Colonic Ecology in Constipated Adults: A Placebo-Controlled, Diet-Controlled Trial
Abstract
This diet-controlled study was designed to examine effects of konjac glucomannan (KGM) supplement on the bowel habits and colonic ecology in 7 constipated subjects. In addition, the mechanisms by which KGM modulated the bowel habit were explored.
Seven constipated subjects who passed bowel movement less than once a day participated in this diet-controlled linear study that consisted of a 21-d placebo period, a 7-d adaptation period, and a 21-d KGM-supplemented (1.5 g, tid) period. The large bowel response and fecal characteristics were recorded daily. Stools were collected individually on days 15-21 of placebo and KGM periods for analyses of colonic ecology indices such as fecal microflora, pH and short chain fatty acid content. Fecal component was determined to illustrate the fermentation of KGM.
KGM supplement slightly but significantly increased the weekly defecation frequency from 4.1 +/- 0.6 to 5.3 +/- 0.6 and slightly eased the bowel movement. The fecal wet weight (g/d) and percent moisture were not significantly altered with the fiber supplement. However, the dry fecal weight (g/d) was increased mainly in the soluble mass. KGM supplement increased the fecal concentration (log counts/g wet feces) of lactobacilli, and the daily output (log counts/d) of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and total bacteria in this diet-controlled study. In addition, fermentation of KGM resulted in greater fecal acetate, propionate and i-butyrate concentrations and lower fecal pH.
The modest dose of KGM supplement promoted bowel movement by 30% and improved colonic ecology in constipated adults.
... In general, fiber supplements are recommended to increase the fiber consumption of constipation patients. However, recent clinical studies have reported that high fiber diets, especially those in which the fiber is consumed as supplements, can cause intestinal discomfort such as convulsive abdominal pain and gas production, and even constipation or fecal impaction [6][7][8][9]. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported that although dietary fiber increased the number of bowel movements in constipation patients, it was unclear whether it improved fecal consistency [6,8,9]. ...
... However, recent clinical studies have reported that high fiber diets, especially those in which the fiber is consumed as supplements, can cause intestinal discomfort such as convulsive abdominal pain and gas production, and even constipation or fecal impaction [6][7][8][9]. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported that although dietary fiber increased the number of bowel movements in constipation patients, it was unclear whether it improved fecal consistency [6,8,9]. Previous reports have discussed the relevance of fiber supplements to complement a lack of natural dietary fiber intake, such as resistant maltodextrin, beta-glucan, psyllium, inulin, cellulose, and konjac glucomannan, to bowel movements [7,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. ...
... In addition, several systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported that although dietary fiber increased the number of bowel movements in constipation patients, it was unclear whether it improved fecal consistency [6,8,9]. Previous reports have discussed the relevance of fiber supplements to complement a lack of natural dietary fiber intake, such as resistant maltodextrin, beta-glucan, psyllium, inulin, cellulose, and konjac glucomannan, to bowel movements [7,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. It is important to find a safe and cost-effective way for constipation patients to consume adequate dietary fiber that minimizes side effects while relieving and preventing constipation. ...
Although several studies have reported the effects that dietary fiber intake from different types of grains and fiber components have on bowel movements, insufficient attention has been paid to comparing and evaluating the effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets. This study compared and evaluated the effects of ingesting rice-based (brown rice-based diet: BRD; white rice-based diet: WRD) and wheat-based diet (WD) on the bowel movements of young women with functional constipation.
Based on an open, randomized, controlled, and parallel design, 39 subjects were assigned to BRD, WRD, and WD groups (13 in each group). Each participant had received three types of experimental diets over the course of 4 weeks and we recommended that the subjects eat only the test diet provided during the study. Primary outcomes (total colon transit time TCTT) and secondary outcomes (bowel movements, short-chain fatty acid content, and fecal enzyme activity) were compared before and after the 4-week intervention period.
After the 4-week study, the rice-based diet (BRD and WRD) groups and the WD group had a statistically significant difference in TCTT (p = 0.028). The TCTT of the BRD group was significantly reduced (p = 0.028) compared with the WRD group (−16.5 ± 8.1 vs +6.8 ± 2.1), and the TCTT of the WD group was also significantly reduced (p = 0.022) compared with that of the WRD group (−17.1 ± 11.9 vs +6.8 ± 2.1).
Among women with functional constipation, the BRD and WD both improved bowel function by reducing TCTT and increasing the number of bowel movements compared with the WRD group.
... They discovered that butyrate was the dominant SCFAs in the KGM group, which can ameliorate glucose metabolism by promoting gluconeogenesis in the intestines (Jayachandran, Christudas, Zheng, & Xu, 2023). However, in the study conducted by Chen et al. (2008), while KGM supplementation did increase the fecal concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFAs, the SCFAs were predominantly acetate. Moreover, Yin's research showed that KGM decreases the concentration of valeric acid in the colon; additionally, KGM that has been enzymatically hydrolyzed produces better acetate (Yin, Ma, Xie, Nie, & Wu, 2020). ...
... Lowering the colonic pH creates an acidic environment that decreases the risk of intestinal dysfunction and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria . Many studies indicated that KGM decreases the fecal or colonic pH (Chen, Cheng, Liu, Liu, & Wu, 2006;Chen, Cheng, Wu, Liu, & Liu, 2008;Yin, Ma, Xie, Nie, & Wu, 2020). Studies of in vitro KGM fermentation showed that the pH values decrease dramatically from 0 to 4 h, and from 4 to 24 h they remained relatively stable (Chiu, & Stewart, 2012). ...
... and Bacteroides spp., significantly inhibiting the effects of loperamide on the gut microbiota (Hayeeawaema et al., 2020). A human study observed that KGM supplementation to subjects with constipation selectively triggered the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which promoted effective bowel movement, while a decrease in Clostridia was detected (Chen, Cheng, Wu, Liu, & Liu, 2008). In contrast to this study, it was observed that high KGM dosage (8%) supplementation to C57BL/6J mice fed with a high-fat diet had no effect on Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli levels. ...
... However, it significantly reduced parameters related to body fat accumulation, weight gain, inflammation in addition to a decline in liver damage (Song et al., 2021). Fermentation of KGM has been correlated with higher faecal acetate, propionate in addition to butyrate concentrations and decreased faecal pH (Chen et al., 2008). ...
Background
Food hydrocolloids are versatile natural food ingredients, which can be authentically present in food matrices or can be added as functional food ingredients and/or food additives. All hydrocolloids are common in industrial use with enhancers of viscosity, emulsifiers, coating, gelling agents, stabilizing agents and/or thermodynamic stability providers. While safety issues of hydrocolloids in the food industry have been discussed until now, research has turned to their effects on gut modulation, human health and wellbeing.
Scope and approach
This review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of certain food hydrocolloids in gut modulation and their potential interaction with health through gut modulation.
Key findings and conclusions
Novel literature suggests that certain food hydrocolloids could substantially change the range and structure of the microbiota of the gut and the primary bioactive metabolites. Besides, hydrocolloids show important outcomes on gut microbiota because of their physicochemical and structural properties. Moreover, they may have various impacts, and the mechanisms of gut microbiota activity are quite diverse depending on their polymeric structure and source. Despite some discrepancies and divergences in their impacts on the gut microbiota-health axis, their reassuring outcomes on health are mainly associated with their prebiotic or prebiotic-like effects. In this way, it can directly/indirectly affect host health. Therefore, while investigating the possible health and safety effects of the use of hydrocolloids in the form of food additives, it may be useful to investigate the benefits and side effects on the gut.
... Many researchers reported about effects of prebiotics using in vivo and human studies. Chen et al. (2008) investigated timecourse and dose-dependent unhydrolysed KGM and acid -hydrolysed glucomannan (HKGM) on the cecal and faecal microflora in balb/c mice. This study showed that the KGM and HKGM significantly increased cecal anaerobes bifidobacteria counts at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. ...
... Several researchers reported the effect of prebiotic KGM on a human. Chen and co-workers studied the effect of prebiotic KGM supplements in healthy adults (Chen et al., 2006) and constipated adults (Chen et al., 2008) during a twenty-one day placebo period and a seven-day adaptation period. The stools were fully collected on days 15 to 21 of placebo for further analysis. ...
Konjac glucomannan (KGM) and hydrolysed konjac glucomannan (HKGM) are natural polysaccharides that have many applications in the food and non-food fields (chemical and health industries) due to their non-hazardous, non-toxic, biocompatible properties and good solubility. KGM was produced from pulverising chips, followed by air classification of solid particles to separate them from impurities or ethanol precipitation. Production of KGM from the genus Amorphophallus by the extraction and purification methods was critically reviewed. Characteristics of the physicochemical properties of KGM were outlined, and the preparation of HKGM was also discussed. The potential of KGM and HKGM to provide health benefits, such as being prebiotics or anti-inflammatory and antitumour agents, were considered. A brief discussion on the safe usage of KGM and HKGM is included. Meanwhile, HKGM was prepared by physical-acid treatments or enzymic degradation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with KGM or HKGM significantly lowers plasma glucose and reduces inflammation in rat models. Tumour was reduced when KGM was added to the test meals.
... Previously reported studies prove that in case of konjac glucomannan there was increase in acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid content both in in vitro and in vivo. [41][42][43] In order to get fermented in colon, fiber must reach colon without digestion in the upper gut and selectively stimulate growth and/or activity of gut microbiota that confer health benefits to the host. Those are related with the prebiotic activity. ...
... The ability of glucomannan in stimulating growth of bifidobacteria and lacto-bacillus, and suppressing Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens have been reported. [41][42][43] Theoretically, glucomannan might be used by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria as there were enzymes secreted by other colon microbiota. It could hydrolyze glucomannan to produce oligosaccharide or monosaccharide, 44 such as mannopentaose, mannotetraose, mannotriose, mannobiose, and mannose. ...
Glucomannan (GM) a water-soluble polysaccharide possesses mannose residues which are extracted from tubers, bulbs, softwoods and roots of many plants. Glucomannan is considered to be a dietary fibre which is actually present in some plant species in the form of hemicelluloses component in the cell wall. Its structure consists of linear chain of mixed residues of α-1,4 linked D-mannose and D-glucose monomers arranged in blocks. The molecular weight of native GM lies between 1×104– 2×106. Low molecular weight GM could be obtained by de-polymerization technique. The average molecular weight of Konjac Glucomannan (KGM) is 500,000 – 2,000,000 and varies with species, growing area, storage time and processing methods. The glucomannan from different sources vary in its mannose to glucose ratio. Konjac tuber glucomannan has a molar ratio of 1.6:1 or 1.4:1 (ratio differs with konjac breeds), Orchid tubers and Scotch pine have molar ratios of 3.6:1 and 2.1:1 respectively. Diversity of glucomannan also depends on degree of acetylation in GM chain. Values of degree of acetylation are 5to10% or every 19th sugar residue (attached randomly at C-6 position in KGM), is actually responsible to facilitate dispersion and solubility by inhibiting the intra-molecular hydrogen bonds. This solubility function is attractive for multiple pharmaceutical applications. However increase in acetylation degree in GM slows the gelation process. The intrinsic viscosity of KGM solution is highest among the polysaccharides that facilitate swelling behaviour and hence gel formation that finds application in food industry. Gels have good stability, films, hydrogel, beads, micro and nanoparticles of Glucomannan may have potential usage in therapeutic drug delivery systems without causing toxicity. It may also be useful in treatment of chronic constipation, decreasing serum cholesterol, and increasing insulin sensitivity. As a food supplement it could play a significant role in weight loss. Carboxymethylated glucomannan improves the properties of paper, such as burst index, dry tensile index, and wet tensile index. These diverse applications make Glucomannan a most sought after biomolecule. Keywords: Biomolecule, Glucomannan, Diverse application
... The 2009-2010 NHANES used the full 7-point scale; however, the usual stool consistency was self-reported (2). To date, stool consistency patterns in healthy adults have been based on self-reported observation (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). Independent technician scoring of stool consistency has not yet been conducted in healthy adults, to our knowledge. ...
... Our understanding of how diet and other factors influence stool consistency in healthy adults is also limited. Studies of constipated adults have shown associations with certain food groups and intakes of liquid (19), caffeine (20)(21)(22)(23), and dietary fiber (19,(21)(22)(23)(24). Interventions with constipated participants showed a beneficial effect of dietary fiber (11,(25)(26)(27), probiotics (28,29), and prebiotic-probiotic "synbiotics" (30,31). Likewise, some dietary interventions for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) demonstrated symptom improvement (32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43). ...
Background
Prior studies of adults with constipation or diarrhea suggest that dietary intake, physical activity, and stress may affect stool consistency. However, the influence of these factors is unresolved and has not been investigated in healthy adults.
Objectives
We assessed the relations of technician-scored stool consistency in healthy adults with self-reported diet, objectively monitored physical activity, and quantifiable markers of stress.
Methods
Stool consistency was scored by an independent technician using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) to analyze samples provided by healthy adults, aged 18–65 y, BMI 18–44 kg/m2, in the USDA Nutritional Phenotyping Study (n = 364). A subset of participants (n = 109) were also asked to rate their sample using the BSFS. Dietary intake was assessed with two to three 24-h recalls completed at home and energy expenditure from physical activity was monitored using an accelerometer in the 7-d period preceding the stool collection. Stress was measured using the Wheaton Chronic Stress Inventory and allostatic load (AL). Statistical and machine learning analyses were conducted to determine which dietary, physiological, lifestyle, and stress factors differed by stool form.
Results
Technician-scored BSFS scores were significantly further (P = 0.003) from the central score (mean ± SEM distance: 1.41 ± 0.089) than the self-reported score (1.06 ± 0.086). Hard stool was associated with higher (P = 0.005) intake of saturated fat (13.8 ± 0.40 g/1000 kcal) than was normal stool (12.5 ± 0.30 g/1000 kcal). AL scores were lower for normal stool (2.49 ± 0.15) than for hard (3.07 ± 0.18) (P = 0.009) or soft stool (2.89 ± 0.18) (P = 0.049). Machine learning analyses revealed that various dietary components, physiological characteristics, and stress hormones predicted stool consistency.
Conclusions
Technician-scored stool consistency differed by dietary intake and stress hormones, but not by physical activity, in healthy adults.
This trial was registered at clincialtrials.gov as NCT02367287.
... Due to its water absorptivity, safety, and stability, KGM has recently been demonstrated to be a valuable source of hydrocolloidal dietary fiber and has been proposed as a useful nutritional supplement for the treatment and prevention of obesity, diabetes, and related symptoms [25][26][27]. In addition to its broad use in food and medicine, the applications and popularity of KGM have been increasing with recognition of its inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and nontoxicity [28][29][30][31]. Moreover, studies regarding KGM in patch form have demonstrated its strong cell regeneration capabilities, suggesting its potential in the treatment of various dermatological conditions, including wound healing [32,33]. ...
... Despite the various applications of KGM [18][19][20][28][29][30][31], many studies related to the effects of KGM on the human skin have only focused on a sheet-or patch-type polymer of KGM rather than on the properties of the material itself [19][20][21]. There are two main reasons for this. ...
Skin layers serve as a barrier against unexpected critical changes in the body due to environmental factors. Excessive ultraviolet (UV) B exposure increases the levels of age-related factors, leading to senescent cells and damaged skin tissues. Widely used as a dietary supplement, konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) glucomannan (KGM) has shown skin regeneration potential in patch or sheet form with anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects. However, the ability of KGM to reconstitute senescent/damaged skin following UV radiation has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that KGM alleviates skin damage by increasing the proportion of young cell populations in UVB-exposed senescent human epidermal primary melanocytes. Young cell numbers increased depending on KGM dosage, but the senescent cells were not removed. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis showed that mRNA and protein levels of age- and pigmentation-related factors decreased in a manner dependent on the rate at which new cells were generated. Moreover, an analysis of mRNA and protein levels indicated that KGM facilitated youth by increasing cell proliferation in UVB-damaged human fibroblasts. Thus, KGM is a highly effective natural agent for maintaining skin homeostasis by promoting the reconstitution of the dermal environment against UVB-induced acute senescence or skin damage.
... Al-Ghazzewi et al. observed in vitro that konjac hydrolysate stimulates Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium growth more than the inulin in UHT milk [88]. Several studies confirmed these data, also showing a reduction of Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia Coli [89][90][91]. Harmayani et al. tested glucomannan effects for 14 days on 32 mice, which were divided into four groups: (1) porang glucomannan (extracted from Oncophyllus), (2) konjac glucomannan, (3) inulin, and (4) cellulose, as the control group. The results of this study have shown that porang glucomannan is more soluble than konjac glucomannan, and it is able to inhibit E. Coli growth and increase Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. ...
... ↑ Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium growth [88]. ↓ Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia Coli growth [89][90][91]. ...
In recent years, research has focused on the use of dietary fibers and prebiotics, since many of these polysaccharides can be metabolized by intestinal microbiota, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids. The metabolites of prebiotic fermentation also show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capabilities, suggesting an interesting role in the treatment of several pathological conditions. Galacto-oligosaccharide and short- and long-chain fructans (Fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin) are the most studied prebiotics, even if other dietary compounds seem to show the same features. There is an increasing interest in dietary strategies to modulate microbiota. The aim of this review is to explore the mechanisms of action of prebiotics and their effects on the principal gastro-intestinal disorders in adults, with a special focus on Galacto-oligosaccharides, Fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose and new emerging substances which currently have evidence of prebiotics effects, such as xilooligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, lactobionic acid, resistant starch and polyphenols.
... Diamine oxidase is one of the DAO catalyzed by deaminases. It is mainly a secretion of intestinal epithelial cells and is expressed in the small intestine but rarely in serum under normal circumstances (Smith et al., 1986;Wolvekamp and Debruin, 1994;Chen et al., 1998). With damage to intestinal barrier integrity, tissue DAO levels decrease, and serum DAO concentrations increase (Chen et al., 1998;Zhao et al., 2014). ...
... It is mainly a secretion of intestinal epithelial cells and is expressed in the small intestine but rarely in serum under normal circumstances (Smith et al., 1986;Wolvekamp and Debruin, 1994;Chen et al., 1998). With damage to intestinal barrier integrity, tissue DAO levels decrease, and serum DAO concentrations increase (Chen et al., 1998;Zhao et al., 2014). Endotoxins are one of the secretions of E. coli, and their increasing activity indicates injury to intestinal barrier function or increased intestinal permeability (Smith et al., 2010). ...
Microcin J25 (MccJ25) is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a fecal strain of Escherichia coli containing 21 AA. This study was performed primarily to evaluate the effects of MccJ25 as a potential substitute for antibiotics (AB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function in weaned pigs. In the present study, 180 weaned pigs (7.98 ± 0.29 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including a basal diet (CON) and CON supplemented with AB (20 mg/ kg colistin sulfate; ABD) or 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25. On d 0 to 14, dietary supplementation with MccJ25 and ABD had positive effects on ADG, ADFI, diarrhea incidence, and G:F (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 diet had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and marginally greater G:F (P < 0.10) compared with pigs fed the ABD diet. Compared with the CON diet, the 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 diet sharply improved (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F and decreased (P < 0.05) diarrhea incidence (d 15 to 28 and d 0 to 28). Apparent digestibility of nutrients in pigs fed 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 was improved (P < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed CON and ABD. The serum cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in pigs fed MccJ25 were greater than in pigs fed CON (P < 0.05). Additionally, the IL-10 concentration in pigs fed MccJ25 was sharply increased (P < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed CON. Pigs fed 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ kg MccJ25 diets had remarkably decreased d-lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin concentrations and fecal E. coli numbers (P < 0.05) and improved fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium numbers (P < 0.05). Compared with the ABD diet, the diet containing 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 did not increase d-lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin (d 14) concentrations (P < 0.05) or decrease the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (d 28) numbers (P < 0.05). The diets containing 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 and ABD (d 28) improved lactate concentration and short-chain fatty acid concentrations, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, in feces (P < 0.05). Moreover, the pigs fed 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 had greater lactate, butyrate (d 14), and propionate concentrations than the pigs fed the ABD diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplemented MccJ25 effectively improved performance, attenuated diarrhea and systematic inflammation, enhanced intestinal barrier function, and improved fecal microbiota composition of weaned pigs. Therefore, MccJ25 could be a potential effective alternative to AB for weaned pigs. © 2017 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.
... 27 Many studies have shown that KGM is vital in promoting intestinal motility, relieving constipation, improving intestinal health, and modulating the diversity and composition of various gastrointestinal microbiota. [28][29][30][31] However, there is limited research on the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation on maternity and offspring. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the nutritional benefits of KGM administered during late gestation and lactation on both the mother and offspring. ...
BACKGROUND
The maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the health of the offspring. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a significantly functional polysaccharide in food research, possessing both antioxidant and prebiotic properties. However, the mechanisms of how KGM regulates maternal nutrition remain insufficient and limited. This study aimed to investigate maternal supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation to benefit both maternal and offspring generations.
RESULTS
Our findings indicate that KGM improves serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the KGM group displayed a significant increase in the feed intake‐related hormones neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), Ghrelin, and adenosine monophosphate‐activated kinase (AMPK) levels. KGM modified the relative abundance of Clostridium, Candidatus Saccharimonas, unclassified Firmicutes, and unclassified Christensenellaceae in sow feces. Acetate, valerate, and isobutyrate were also improved in the feces of sows in the KGM group. These are potential target bacterial genera that may modulate the host's health. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis unveiled significant correlations between the altered bacteria genus and feed intake‐related hormones. More importantly, KGM reduced interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels in milk, further improved IL‐10 levels, and reduced zonulin levels in the serum of offspring.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation improves maternal nutritional status by modifying maternal microbial and increasing lactation feed intake, which benefits the anti‐inflammatory capacity of the offspring serum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
... The consumption of whole grains was found to have a preventive effect, resulting in a modest decrease in the risk of developing CRC [7]. The main functions of dietary fiber are as follows: promotes bowel movement, beneficial gut flora balance, reduces cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar levels, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects [42][43][44]. Not only dietary fiber in black rice but also the abundant anthocyanins have a potential preventive and inhibitory effect on the development of CRC. ...
Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet‐fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD‐fed mice to germ‐free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains Bacteroides uniformis and Lactobacillus . Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole‐3‐lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole‐grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health.
... In many European countries, KGM is being widely marketed for the management of overweight or obesity. In a placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial, supplementation with KGM promoted bowel movement and improved colonic ecology (increase abundance of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and levels of fecal SCFAs) in constipated adults [13]. In addition, KGM intervention also ameliorates glycemic control, blood lipid profile, systolic blood pressure in high-risk diabetic individuals [14]. ...
Bioactive dietary fiber has been proven to confer numerous health benefits against metabolic diseases based on the modification of gut microbiota. The metabolic protective effects of glucomannan have been previously reported in animal experiments and clinical trials. However, critical microbial signaling metabolites and the host targets associated with the metabolic benefits of glucomannan remain elusive. The results of this study revealed that glucomannan supplementation alleviated high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced insulin resistance in mice and that its beneficial effects were dependent on the gut microbiota. Administration of glucomannan to mice promoted the growth of Bacteroides ovatus . Moreover, colonization with B. ovatus in HFD‐fed mice resulted in a decrease in insulin resistance, accompanied by improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation. Furthermore, B. ovatus ‐derived indoleacetic acid (IAA) was established as a key bioactive metabolite that fortifies intestinal barrier function via activation of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to an amelioration in insulin resistance. Thus, we conclude that glucomannan acts through the B. ovatus ‐IAA‐intestinal AhR axis to relieve insulin resistance.
... 27−29 With damage to intestinal barrier integrity, serum Dlactate and DAO concentrations increase. 30 Moreover, the epithelial barrier performance is hugely dominated by intercellular tight junctions (TJs). The TJs are taking charge of limiting para-cellular movement of compounds across the intestinal mucosa. ...
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) can be a promising alternative in various domains. However, further risk information is required. In this study, mice were orally administrated different dosages of recombinant AMP microcin J25 (4.55, 9.1, and 18.2 mg/kg; MccJ25) for 1 week, and the toxicity risk impacts were examined. We evidenced that middle-dosage administration mice had a lower inflammation, better body weight, and ameliorated mucosal morphology, accompanied by reduced intestinal permeability and tighter intestinal barrier. Fecal microbiota composition analysis in middle- or low-dosage mice revealed the Bifidobacterium count was increased and the coliform bacteria count was decreased, and increased in shortchain fatty acid levels. Unexpectedly, there was a risk that high-dosage mice increased intestinal permeability and imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Taken together, these data indicated a safe threshold for usage of MccJ25 in clinical practice. Such studies can effectively enhance the safety of various aspects such as food preservative and drug.
... Gastrointestinal response and stool consistency: The frequency of bowel movements was recorded, and the gastrointestinal response was assessed weekly based on questions developed by Chen et al. [23]. The ease of bowel movement was graded as 1 (easy), 2 (slightly difficult), 3 (difficult), and 4 (extremely difficult). ...
Background: There is evidence that high-fibre diets have significant health benefits, although the effect of increasing fibre on individuals' appetite, satiety, and gastrointestinal comfort is not well established, nor is its acceptability and feasibility. Methods: This mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial included 38 participants allocated to one of three conditions: FibreMAX (two daily servings of 25 g of BARLEYmax ®), FibreGRAD (two daily servings with the amount of fibre gradually increased), and Control (two daily servings totalling 25 g of placebo product). Participants completed a food diary at baseline. The Hunger and Fullness Questionnaire and questions regarding gastrointestinal response were completed at baseline and at the end of each week. Participants completed the acceptability of intervention measure and engaged in a semi-structured interview , following trial completion. Results: The qualitative data suggested that increased fibre influenced appetite and fullness perceptions. Baseline fibre consumption and the method of increased fibre increase did not influence our findings. The qualitative results also indicated that the fibre intake was perceived as beneficial to well-being; it influenced feelings of hunger and caused some minor acute gastrointestinal symptoms that dissipated after a short adaption period. Conclusion: This study suggests that increasing fibre intake through BARLEYmax ® is a safe intervention that is acceptable to participants.
... Therefore, for the present study, a rheometer with a sono-device is applied for such hydrogels to elucidate US effects on the triggered deformation of gelatinous polysaccharides of agarose, carrageenan, and glucomannan. For Kanten agarose, κ-carrageenan, and konjac glucomannan, the hydrogel matrixes are known to play important roles in supporting functionality for food supplementation [29], health benefits [30], nutritional diet [31], and food additives [32]. Polysaccharides such as Kanten agarose, carrageenan, and konjac glucomannan are natural seaweed or vegetable gelatin counterparts known to form hydrogels [33,34]. ...
A viscoelastic rheometer was equipped with a sono-device and a water bath to enable measurement of storage moduli G′ and loss moduli G″ of biomass polysaccharide hydrogels such as Kanten agarose, κ-carrageenan, and konjac glucomannan under ultrasound (US) exposure. The action of low power of 43 kHz US on their hydrogels significantly decreased G′ of Kanten agarose and carrageenan after a few seconds of US exposure 0.1% strain. When US with 20 W output power was exposed under mechanical strain at 0.1%, lower values were obtained cyclically for 3 min US intervals. The values then reverted to the original moduli values when US was stopped in cases of Kanten agarose and carrageenan hydrogels. As G″ values were increased during US operation, the anhydro-L-galactose segments in their hydrogels were unable to relax the external US forces within the gel sufficiently, thereby leading to gel structure collapse at a higher strain percentage. These results suggest that US exposure induced deformational change in the hydrogel structure formed by hydrogen-bonded cross-links. However, US deformation was less in the case of deacetylated cross-linkage in konjac glucomannan hydrogel.
... 67,75 The fermentation of KGM in the lower gut can produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). 76,77 Native KGM was found to relieve constipation by increasing stool bulk and improving gut ecology in healthy adults. 78 The promotion of daily fecal excretion of Bifidobacteria spp. ...
... (Scott et al., 2008;Flint et al., 2012). Previous studies have demonstrated that glucomannan fermentation either in vitro or in vivo produces SCFA (acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) (Chen et al., 2008;Connolly et al., 2010;Harmayani et al., 2014). But the hydrolyzed glucomannan with a lower molecular weight is more selective in enhanced butyrate production and increase of desirable bacteria (Ariestanti et al., 2019). ...
Abstract Porang glucomannan is a polysaccharide extracted from Amorphophallus oncophylus and its degradation product is porang oligo-glucomannan (POG). It contains glucomannan, which has been used as an emulsifier, thickener, or as a nutritional supplement to counter many diseases. While it is believed to have health benefits, there are only limited studies exploring this aspect of porang glucomannnan (PGM). It was hydrolyzed using β-mannanase to obtain POG under optimal conditions: reaction temperature of 37 °C, reaction time of 4 h, pH 5.5 and E/S of 1:1,000 (w/w). The study aimed to evaluate the fermented POG, which might also generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and to estimate the prebiotic activity score of POG fermented in vitro. The results show that SCFA profiles of POG fermentation gave a high acetic acid concentration (32.64 mM) and butyric acid (6.68 mM) at 12 h, having butyrogenic effects after a rapid fermentation. Mostly the beneficial bacteria grew faster on POG and KOG (konjac oligo-glucomannan) than on PGM or control at the beginning of incubation. Among the substrates screened, POG showed a highly positive prebiotic index of 10.29, increasing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli but reducing bacteroides population. So, POG is a candidate prebiotic since it has bifidogenic, butyrogenicity, and fermentability.
... The fraction of inulin with the degree of polymerization lower than 10, namely, inulin oligosaccharide, is widely used as a supplement in functional food [15]. Both KGM and inulin oligosaccharide have been shown to exert healthy bowel effects, such as to increase the colonic microbial fermentation products short-chain fatty acids and stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in animal/human studies [14,[16][17][18]. KGM and inulin modulate the colonic antioxidant system and increased the antioxidant defense against the oxidative stress resulted from a low-fiber high-fat diet or a genotoxic carcinogen [18][19][20]. ...
Background:
Konjac glucomannan polysaccharide (KGM), inulin oligosaccharide (inulin) and their mixture has been shown to modulate the gut-associated lymphoid tissue immunity.
Aims:
The present study was mainly to determine effects of a low-level (2% w/w) KGM and inulin and their combination on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. We also determine the potential mechanisms mediating these effects of dietary fibers.
Methods:
C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks of age, eight per group) were randomly assigned to consume one of the following diets: control (DSS group) or control diet supplemented with 2% (w/w) of KGM (KGM group), 2% (w/w) of inulin oligosaccharide (inulin group) or KGM+Inulin (1%, w/w each (K+I group)) for 29 days, combined with the DSS drinking water (2% w/v) treatment on days 21-26. Another group served as vehicle was fed the control diet and given regular drinking water throughout the study. Fresh feces were collected on days 26-29. Mice were killed on day 30 after fasting. Segments of distal colon were processed for histological procedure. The remaining colonic tissues were processed to determine the colonic gene expressions of cytokines, tight junction proteins and antioxidant enzymes.
Results:
The present study indicated that DSS resulted in colonic dysplasia, severe leukocyte infiltration and enhanced gene expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines. All fiber treatments ameliorated these indices of colitis. DSS treatment reduced the colonic gene expressions of tight junction proteins and antioxidant enzymes, which were ameliorated or normalized with fiber supplementation. In addition, all fiber treatments prevented the DSS-induced alterations in the fecal microbiota and short-chain acid levels.
Conclusion:
Supplementation of low-level, 2% (w/w), of KGM polysaccharide, inulin oligosaccharide and K + I reduced the DSS-induced colitis and mucosal barrier dysfunction, which was likely to be mediated by the prebiotic effects.
... Al-Ghazzewi and colleagues reported that konjac hydrolysate enhanced Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli growth compared to inulin present in Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk [111]. Numerous studies on KGM have reported a reduction in the count of Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli [111][112][113][114]. Recently, an in vitro study was conducted using Porang glucomannan (PGM) and inulin (positive control), low-density Konjac oligoglucomannan (LKOG), highdensity konjac oligo-glucomannan (HKOG), and KGM. ...
Prebiotics are either natural or synthetic non-digestible (non-)carbohydrate substances that boost the proliferation of gut microbes. Undigested fructooligosaccharides in the large intestine are utilised by the beneficial microorganisms for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids for their own growth. Although various food products are now recognized as having prebiotic properties, several others, such as almonds, artichoke, barley, chia seeds, chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, and oats, are being explored and used as functional foods. Considering the benefits of these prebiotics in mineral absorption, metabolite production, gut microbiota modulation, and in various diseases such as diabetes, allergy, metabolic disorders, and necrotising enterocolitis, increasing attention has been focused on their applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries, although some of these food products are actually used as food supplements. This review aims to highlight the potential and need of these prebiotics in the diet and also discusses data related to the distinct types, sources, modes of action, and health benefits.
... U dětí, které dostávaly glukomannan, došlo k signifikantnímu zlepšení (dle rodičů 68 vs. 13 %), děti si také méně stěžovaly na bolest břicha. Glukomannan tak může sloužit jako vhodný doplněk při léčbě zácpy (45 vs. 13 %) (16), příznivý účinek při léčbě zácpy u dětí i dospělých byl zaznamenán i v dalších podobných studiích. Laxativní účinek měl glukomannan i u těhotných žen. ...
... This result also suggested that KGOS has certain intestinal probiotics as a food emulsifier. Previously, study (Chen, Cheng, Wu, Liu, & Liu, 2008) indicated that KGM could effectively increase the numbers of Bifidobacteria, ...
It is important to select an appropriate emulsifier to overcome the poor stability and dispersibility of the vegetable oils in food system. Previous studies suggest that OSA‐modified konjac glucomannan (KGOS) has potential to be used as a food emulsifier. In this study, in vitro fermentation suggested that KGOS could promote the growth of the important intestinal probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and then promote intestinal fermentation to produce gas and short chain fatty acids. The emulsification experiments indicated that KGOS had good emulsification ability and stability for camellia oil. Under 40 MPa for 90 s homogenization, 0.2% (w/w) KGOS could encapsulate 20% (w/w) camellia oil. The nanoemulsion was stable at a low pH and high concentration of NaCl and ethanol. Konjac glucomannan octenyl succinate encapsulation could prevent the oxidation of camellia oil at 25°C and storage for 30 days.
... U dětí, které dostávaly glukomannan, došlo k signifikantnímu zlepšení (dle rodičů 68 vs. 13 %), děti si také méně stěžovaly na bolest břicha. Glukomannan tak může sloužit jako vhodný doplněk při léčbě zácpy (45 vs. 13 %) (16), příznivý účinek při léčbě zácpy u dětí i dospělých byl zaznamenán i v dalších podobných studiích. Laxativní účinek měl glukomannan i u těhotných žen. ...
Voodoo lilies (Amorphophallus spp.) are imposing herbs belonging to aroid family (Araceae). Some species are used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, one of them is Amorphophallus konjac. Konjac tubers are used for treatment of many illnesses and also for food purposes. Its therapeutic effects are discovered by Western medicine now; some of them were confirmed in clinical trials. Glucomannan isolated from konjac tubers has hypolidipidemic, laxative, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic properties and can be used as dietary supplement such as food component.
... The Iles-iles tuber has a high potential for prebiotic sources because it contains undigested carbohydrates, namely glucomannan, starch, and crude fiber. The glucomannan supplementation increased the concentration of beneficial probiotics in the gut, including specific strains like bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli [11]. Glucomannan is able to decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the gut by sponging up water in the digestive tract, which reduces the absorption cholesterol by the body [12]. ...
This study aims to determine the effect of giving Iles-iles synbiotic effervescent tablets to decrease blood sugar levels of hyperglycemic white rats and find out the lowest dose of effervescent tablets in decreasing blood sugar levels. This study used the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with single factor (dose of Iles-iles synbiotic effervescent tablet) with 4 levels (dose 0.045 gram/day (½ normal dose), dose 0.09 gram/day (normal dose), dose 0.18 gram/day (2X normal dose) and Control (without treatment dose). The analysis carried out was blood sugar levels and rat body weight. The administration of Iles-iles synbiotic effervescent tablets can reduce blood sugar levels in white mice but does not affect changes in the weight of white mice. The biggest decrease in blood sugar levels in white rats for synbiotic month was obtained from the administration of a dose of 0.18 grams/day (normal 2X dose) which was as much as 49.16% The administration of effervescent tablets in the fourth week with a normal dose of 0.09 grams/200 grams of weight has been able to reduce blood sugar levels in white rats to normal levels.
... Thus, this indicates that serum D-Lactate reflects the integrity and maturity of intestinal mucosa [42]. DAO is one of the DAO catalyzed by deaminases, only exists in the villi of the upper small intestine, and its increasing concentrations indicate increased intestinal epithelial permeability or damage to intestinal barrier function [43,44]. Serum endotoxins concentration and DAO activity were both increased with the DFRB level. ...
Simple Summary
In China, the largest pig-raising country in the world, feed resources are gradually scarce, and the imports of grain crops including corn are increasing. Therefore, it is an urgent problem to find alternatives to grain feed materials. Defatted rice bran (DFRB), an abundant and underutilized agricultural coproduct of brown rice refining process, is rich in energy and dietary fiber (DF). The aims of this study were to assess the effects of increasing levels of DFRB (0%, 7%, 14%, 21%, and 28% DFRB) as a replacement for corns on intestinal physical barrier function and numbers of specific bacteria, and determine the optimal substitution level of DFRB in finishing pigs. We found that 7% DFRB as a replacement for corns had a beneficial effect on intestinal wall thickness, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), and had no adverse effect on intestinal permeability and Escherichia coli.
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the effects of increasing levels of DFRB as a replacement for corns on intestinal physical barrier function and bacteria of finishing pigs. A total of 35 castrated finishing pigs (age: 158.5 ± 2.0 d, initial body weight: 62.9 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly divided into five dietary treatments (seven replicates/treatment) for a 28-day experimental period, i.e., a control diet with basal diet, and four experimental diets in which maize was replaced by 7%, 14%, 21%, and 28% DFRB, respectively. The results showed that serum endotoxins concentration and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity were both increased (linear, p = 0.0004, 0.001, respectively) with DFRB level. However, compared with control group, serum endotoxins concentration and DAO activity were not different in pigs fed with 7% DFRB in the diet. There was a quadratic response in serum D-lactate concentration to the increased DFRB (quadratic, p = 0.021). In the cecum, thickness of the intestinal wall significantly increased with increasing levels of DFRB in the diets (linear, p = 0.033), while crypt depth/thickness of the intestinal wall ratio significantly decreased with increasing level of DFRB in the diets (linear, p = 0.043). In the jejunum, total bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Bifidobacterium all responded quadratically to increasing levels of DFRB in the diets (quadratic, p = 0.003, 0.001, 0.006, respectively). Additionally, there was no difference in Escherichia coli in pigs fed 0%, 7%, and 14% DFRB diets. In the colon, there were quadratic responses in C. perfringens to the increased DFRB (quadratic, p = 0.023). C. perfringens reduced as the DFRB concentration increased from 0% to 14% and then increased. When D-lactate, total bacteria, Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and C. perfringens were considered, the optimal substitution level of DFRB were 12.00%, 11.84%, 7.50%, 8.92%, and 15.92%, respectively. In conclusion, 7% DFRB had a beneficial effect on intestinal wall thickness, Bifidobacterium and C. perfringens, and had no adverse effect on intestinal permeability and Escherichia coli.
... Similarly, a multicenter study showed that adults with chronic constipation had statistically significant improvements in bowel movement frequency with the treatment of 1 g of glucomannan TID for 1 month 50 . Two later studies in Taiwan with similar design confirmed these findings 51,52 . ...
... Beyond that, the inclusion of glucomannan-based products in KDs can lead to some benefits in patients' health status. Some small-sized studies have shown that glucomannan supplementation can reduce, in both children and adults, the risk of constipation, increasing defecation frequency and the stool bulk without increasing the risk of side effects like abdominal cramping, borborygmi, bloating, and flatulence [131][132][133][134][135][136]. In addition, there is some evidence that glucomannan has prebiotic effects, as it increases the proportion of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and reduces the proportion of clostridia to total fecal bacteria [135]. ...
The ketogenic diet (KD) is the first line intervention for glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and is recommended for refractory epilepsy. It is a normo-caloric, high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet aimed at switching the brain metabolism from glucose dependence to the utilization of ketone bodies. Several variants of KD are currently available. Depending on the variant, KDs require the almost total exclusion, or a limited consumption of carbohydrates. Thus, there is total avoidance, or a limited consumption of cereal-based foods, and a reduction in fruit and vegetable intake. KDs, especially the more restrictive variants, are characterized by low variability, palatability, and tolerability, as well as by side-effects, like gastrointestinal disorders, nephrolithiasis, growth retardation, hyperlipidemia, and mineral and vitamin deficiency. In recent years, in an effort to improve the quality of life of patients on KDs, food companies have started to develop, and commercialize, several food products specific for such patients. This review summarizes the foods themselves, including sweeteners, and food products currently available for the ketogenic dietary treatment of neurological diseases. It describes the nutritional characteristics and gives indications for the use of the different products, taking into account their metabolic and health effects.
... Hence, it cleans the stomach by removing any toxic and waste materials [1]. Numerous studies have evaluated the unique properties of konjac gel fiber; their results show that konjac facilitates the efficient functioning of physiological intestinal peristalsis, relieves the pain of constipation by softening stool, and accelerates the defecation rate [26,48]. ...
Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a dietary fiber hydrocolloidal polysaccharide isolated from the tubers of Amorphophallus konjac. Over the last few decades, the purified KGM has been offered as a food additive as well as a dietary supplement in many countries. Also, a diet containing konjac flour or KGM is considered as healthier, and these foods are popular in many Asian and European markets. Further, due to the adhesive property of KGM, it can form a defensive covering on the surface of the intestine. Additionally, KGM can reduce the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure and can enable weight loss. Its wide-ranging effects prevent many chronic diseases through the regulation of metabolism. In this review, the recent studies on the health benefits such as anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, laxative, prebiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities of KGM were discussed. Also, this review deals with the applications of KGM and its derivatives in bio-technical, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering, fine chemical fields, etc.
... 27−29 With damage to intestinal barrier integrity, serum Dlactate and DAO concentrations increase. 30 Moreover, the epithelial barrier performance is hugely dominated by intercellular tight junctions (TJs). The TJs are taking charge of limiting para-cellular movement of compounds across the intestinal mucosa. ...
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) can be a promising alternative in various domains. However, the further risk information is required. In this study, mice were orally administrated different dosages of recombinant AMP microcin J25 (4.55, 9.1 and 18.2 mg/kg; MccJ25) for 1 week, which its toxicity risk impacts were examined. We evidenced that middle-dosage administration mice had a lower inflammation, better body weight and ameliorated mucosal morphology, accompanied by reduced intestinal permeability and tighter intestinal barrier. Fecal microbiota composition analysis in middle or low-dosage mice revealed Bifidobacterium count was increased and coliform bacteria count was decreased, and increased in short-chain fatty acid levels. Unexpectedly, there was a risk that high-dosage mice increased intestinal permeability and imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Taken together, these data indicated a safe threshold for usage of MccJ25 in clinical practice. Such studies can effectively enhance the safety of various aspects like food preservative and drug.
... Feed with individual or combinations of organic acids could reduce bacterial colonization in the broiler intestine (Hinton and Linton, 1988;Chaveerach et al., 2002), particularly of acid-intolerant bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter (Dibner and Buttin, 2002). Glucomannans are a subclass of mannans (Schröder et al., 2009) mainly comprising mannose and glucose sugars with desirable nutritional and health characteristics, such as dietary fiber (Chen et al., 2008). In addition, glucomannan is a prebiotic ingredient, which can stimulate the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, suppress pathogenic bacterial growth, and increase the production of shortchain fatty acids (Chen et al., 2005;Elamir et al., 2008;Connolly et al., 2010). ...
Antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used in poultry to improve overall performance. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has resulted in sanctions imposed on the use of antibiotics in poultry diets, and alternatives such as herbal extracts are being considered to improve growth performance. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and feed digestibility of the feed supplement Novacid, which contains organic acids, glucomannan, and phytochemicals, with that of the antibiotic growth promoter bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) in commercial broiler chickens. Six hundred 1-d-old Ross × Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly and equally assigned to six treatment groups with five replicates each (20 chicks per replicate). The chicks were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet, and divided into two groups: unchallenged and challenged with E. coli (400 mg/kg Escherichia coli inoculation). Each of these groups was divided into three study groups: untreated, treated with 0.05% Novacid, and treated with 400 mg/kg BMD. At day 42, inclusion of Novacid or BMD significantly (P < 0.05) improved the performance in the unchallenged groups relative to the control group. However, in E. coli-challenged groups, Novacid and BMD did not improve performance. Ileal digestibility of crude fat, crude protein, and gross energy were reduced in the Novacid group (P < 0.05). BMD and Novacid were equally effective in controlling ileal nutrient digestibility and feed coliform count (P < 0.05). Novacid reduced cecal E. coli and Salmonella count compared to BMD and control. Thus, a phytochemical feed supplement with organic acids and glucomannan could be an effective substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets, but cannot replace antibiotics to counter potent infectious agents such as E. coli.
... [23][24][25] Supplementation with KGM increased bowel movement by 30%. 26 However, a few studies have reported the protective effects of KGM as a DF on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high-fat diets. ...
This study was to investigate the effects of bacterial cellulose (BC), konjac glucomannan (KGM) and combined BC/KGM fiber supplementations on high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that combined BC/KGM supplementation in HF-fed mice was more efficient in reducing body weight, lowing serum lipid profits and suppressing insulin resistance than single BC or KGM. Meanwhile, supplementation with combined BC/KGM fiber could attenuate more efficiently the HF-diet induced liver injury via decreasing hepatic steatosis in comparison with only BC or KGM supplementation. Furthermore, combined BC/KGM fiber supplementation in HF-fed mice had more positive effect on obesity-associated hepatic inflammation through reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels and suppressing protein expression level of Nrf-2/ARE when compared with BC or KGM alone. Consumption of the dietary fibers, especially the mixed BC/KGM, exhibited an improved antioxidant defense system and reduced liver lipid peroxidation through increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing MDA formation in the liver. Moreover, this fiber supplementation also regulated the levels of leptin and adiponectin, and inhibited the protein expressions of PPARγ by reducing the size of cells in adipose tissue of HF diet-fed mice. Therefore, fiber supplementation (especially the combined BC/KGM) efficiently inhibited HF-induced obesity in mice through attenuating insulin resistance, liver injury and inflammation, and enhancing antioxidant defense system and regulating the secretion of adipocytokines and adipogenesis-associated proteins.
... KGM is a linear copolymer of (1 → 4) linked β-D-mannose and β-D-glucose at molar ratio of 1.6:1 [7]. More recently, KGM has been recognized as a dietary fibre and functional food supplement for relieving constipation and lowering the cholesterol level and the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity [8,9], and other health benefits [10]. As a major source of dietary fibre, the health benefits of KGM are most probably associated with its potential prebiotic function [11]. ...
The bifidogenic effects of exopolysaccharide (EPS) of a medicinal fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) and a well-known food polysaccharide konjac glucomannan (KGM) with different molecular weight (MW) ranges were evaluated through in vitro experiments in liquid cultures of Bifidobacteria. Native EPS and KGM were partially degraded with power ultrasound (US) to improve the water solubility, and further hydrolysed with trifluoroacetic acid to much lower MW. The acid-hydrolysed fractions (EPS-AH and KGM-AH) supported the growth of all five tested bifidobacterial species, while the US-degraded high MW fractions, EPS-US and KGM-US, could only slightly supported the growth of some species. All EPS fractions increased the acetic acid production of most bifidobacterial species. Most remarkably, the high MW EPS-US, EPS-AH and KGM-US fractions significantly enhanced the cell viability with much higher colony forming unit (CFU) counts, suggesting a protective effect of these high MW polysaccharides for the bacterial survival. The results have shown that MW was a significant factor on the bifidogenic properties of partially degraded EPS and KGM.
... [10] Chen et al. investigated the effect of glucomannan supplementation and found that 1.5 g, three times a day, could be an optimum dosage to promote defecation frequency primarily from the increased stool bulk in constipated adults. [12] In a study conducted by Yoshida et al., the effect of glucomannan (10 g/day) plus plant sterols (1.8 g/day) reduced plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in subjects with T2DM after 21 days of intervention. [13] The European Food Safety Authority confirmed the positive effect of glucomannan on the reduction of body weight (BW) in overweight adults in 2010 when a daily supplement of 3 g of glucomannan proved helpful in reducing BW in obese or overweight adults. ...
Introduction
This study was carried out to investigate the effects of mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacement soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum inflammatory factors and immunoglobulins, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs.
Methods
A total of 54 pigs with an average initial weight of 97.60 ± 0.30 kg were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups according to their initial weight, with 6 replicates in each group and 3 pigs in each replicate. The trial period was 26 days. The groups were as follows: control group (CON), fed corn-soybean meal type basal diet; Corn-soybean-mixed meal group (CSM), fed corn-soybean meal-mixed meal diet with a ratio of rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace 9.06% soybean meal in the basal diet; Corn-mixed meal group (CMM), fed a corn-mixed meal diet with a ratio of Rapeseed meal, Cotton meal and Sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace soybean meal in the basal diet completely. The crude protein level of the three diets was maintained at 12.5%.
Results
Our findings revealed no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) on the ADG (Average daily gain), ADFI (Average daily feed intake), and F/G (Feed gain ratio) (P > 0.05), or crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy (P > 0.05) in the diet of finishing pigs. Compared with the CON group, the serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) concentrations were significantly decreased in the CMM group (P < 0.05). However, there is no significant effect of the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations (P > 0.05). Concordantly, there is no significant effect of mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum antioxidant capacity, such as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of finishing pigs. Moreover, compared with the CON group, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the CSM group (P < 0.05) and their total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were significantly lower in the CMM group (P < 0.05). There is not a significant effect on serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) concentrations (P > 0.05). The next section of the survey showed that the replacement of soybean meal with a mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) in the diet did not significantly influence the acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the colon contents (P > 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON group, the CMM group diet significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level (P < 0.05), U_Actinobacteria at the class level (P < 0.05), and U_Bacteria at the class level (P < 0.05). The result also showed that the CMM group significantly reduced the abundance of Oscillospirales at the order level (P < 0.05) and Streptococcaceae at the family level (P < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The Spearman correlation analysis depicted a statistically significant positive correlation identified at the class level between the relative abundance of U_Bacteria and the serum T. BILI concentrations (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was detected at the order level between the relative abundance of Oscillospirales and the levels of acetic and propionic acids in the colonic contents (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 and the relative abundance of the family Streptococcaceae (P < 0.05).
Discussion
This study demonstrated that the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum immunoglobulins, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and diversity of gut microbiota of finishing pigs. These results can help develop further mixed meals (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) as a functional alternative feed ingredient for soybean meals in pig diets.
Lactic acid bacteria are gram-positive microorganisms that are characterized by the production of lactic acid as a key fermentation product. LAB, specifically Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, are essential dairy starter cultures for the manufacture of several fermented dairy products such as yogurt. Some LAB are useful microorganisms and are well known to have probiotic effects to provide foods with unique sensory qualities such as aroma and taste. Probiotic strains help to strengthen the human immune system, increasing the body's resistance to diseases. Additionally, probiotics and postbiotics improve gut microbiome balance and prevent health issues. Postbiotics are substances that are produced by microbes' metabolic activities and have a positive impact on diseases, either directly or indirectly. Extensive research has shown that postbiotics possess immunomodulatory and significant clinical effects. Their use has been found to enhance general health and alleviate symptoms of various disorders in healthy individuals. Furthermore, postbiotics exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Therefore, this chapter presents an overview and the importance of LAB as a probiotic and its importance to human health, metabolic fermentation, and antioxidant potential. The review also discusses different biotechnological methods that improve the survival rate of probiotics during processing and GIT transit like microbial encapsulation.
The human gut microbiota (HGM), a community of trillions of microbes, underscores its contribution by impacting many facets of host health and disease. In the HGM, Bacteroidota and Bacillota represent dominant bacterial phyla, which mainly rely on the glycans recalcitrant to host digestion to meet their energy requirements. Accordingly, the impact of dietary and host-derived glycans in the assembly and operation of these dominant microbial communities continues to be an area of active research. Among various glycans, mannans represent an integral component of the human diet. Apart from their health effects, the diverse and complex mannan structures bears molecular signatures that alter the expression of specific gene clusters in selected Bacteroidota and Bacillota species. Both the phyla possess variable and sophisticated loci of mannan recognition proteins, hydrolytic enzymes, transporters, and other metabolic proteins to sense, capture and utilize mannans as an energy source. The current review summarizes mannan structural diversity, and strategies adopted by select species of the HGM bacteria to forage mannans by focusing primarily on glycoside hydrolases and their effects on host health and metabolism.
The nutritional benefits of soluble dietary fiber were mainly attributed to its viscosity and hydration capacity. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of the interaction between konjac glucomannan (KGM) and dihydromyricetin (DMY) on the viscosity and hydration capacity of KGM and the thermal stability of DMY. In contrary to most reports, the addition of DMY to KGM resulted in an increase of viscosity and hydration capacity determined via rheology and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy characterization. Meanwhile the prototype retention of DMY in the presence of heating condition at 60 °C and 100 °C were improved. The radical scavenging capacity of DMY under heating condition was improved at 100 °C via the quantification of ABTS+ and DPPH. KGM-DMY complex was a non-covalent compound connected by hydrogen bonds which was characterized with particle size analyses, zeta potential analyses, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and isothermal titration calorimetry. This study was beneficial to the development of polyphenol-enriched nutrition based on KGM, especially in the aspects of satiety, appetite regulation and glucose regulation.
Mold toxin exposure by inhalation and ingestion has significant health consequences for humans. In this article, we discuss the sources of these everyday toxins and their relevance to patient health. The effects of mycotoxins can present across all body systems, and the resulting symptoms can be acute, cumulative, and chronic. These effects can occur discretely, but they can also present alongside other clinical entities. It is important for the clinician to recognize the phenomenon of mycotoxin illness, because as a primary cause, it does not resolve with current standards of care for conditions secondary to it.
Objective
Konjac is a food mainly consumed in Asian countries with high fiber and low energy. Although glucomannan, a component of konjac, have been used for several clinical studies, there is few reports using konjac itself. This study examined the effects of the active consumption of konjac in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
The study included 26 Japanese patients with T2DM. Participants were recommended to take konjac at least once a day using free konjac products (various noodles, rice, and desserts) and plate konjac for 12 weeks.
Results
HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels significantly decreased from 8.3 ± 0.9% to 8.0 ± 0.8% and from 173.2 ± 44.4 to 152.8 ± 36.7 mg/dL, respectively. No significant changes were observed in body weight and insulin resistance indices, but the index for insulin secretion significantly increased. Serum high molecular weight adiponectin levels significantly increased. Plasma ghrelin, leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels tended to decrease (p = 0.084), decrease (p = 0.057) and increase (p = 0.071), respectively. Actual konjac intake positively correlated with age (r = 0.61, p = 0.001). Body weight and HbA1c significantly decreased in patients aged ≥50 years than in those aged <50 years, and the changes significantly inversely correlated with age.
Conclusion
Active consumption of konjac and konjac products seems to be a useful dietary therapy with multifaceted action for T2DM. Further studies with greater sample size and long-term are needed to confirm these findings.
Background
Constipation is a gastrointestinal symptom with high incidence rate and large number of patients. It is becoming one of the urgent medical problems. Poor intestinal motility is one of the important causes of constipation. Current drug treatments for constipation are associated with many side effects; thus, it is necessary to study more effective treatment methods and potential mechanism.
Methods
A zebrafish model of intestinal motility obstruction was established by loperamide hydrochloride to evaluate the effect of probiotic, food ingredients, and combination on intestinal peristalsis according to intestinal peristalsis frequency counts. The gastrointestinal survival ability of the best probiotics was evaluated by surface hydrophobicity, self‐aggregation, acid and bile salt tolerance, and gastrointestinal transit tolerance. Interactions between probiotics and food ingredients were studied in vivo and in vitro. The expression of 5‐HT was detected by ELISA and fluorescence immunoassay, and 5‐HT related genes were detected by RT‐PCR.
Key Results
We obtained the probiotics, food ingredients, and combination that effectively promoted intestinal peristalsis, X11 and YRL577, P. persica and KGM, KGM + X11, respectively. Both KGM and P. persica promoted colonization of probiotics in vivo. KGM + X11 could effectively promote the increase in 5‐HT synthesis in zebrafish via up‐regulating gene expression of TPH‐1, TPH‐2, and 5‐HTR and down‐regulating gene expression of SERT. The specific in‐depth mechanism needs further study.
Conclusions and Inferences
The combinations of KGM with X11 effectively promoted intestinal peristalsis. We provide a theoretical basis for new modalities that can promote intestinal peristalsis and alleviate constipation.
Beneficial effects of probiotic, prebiotic and polyphenol-rich interventions on fasting lipid profiles have been reported, with changes in the gut microbiota composition believed to play an important role in lipid regulation. Primary bile acids, which are involved in the digestion of fats and cholesterol metabolism, can be converted by the gut microbiota to secondary bile acids, some species of which are less well reabsorbed and consequently may be excreted in the stool. This can lead to increased hepatic bile acid neo-synthesis, resulting in a net loss of circulating low density lipoprotein. Bile acids may therefore provide a link between the gut microbiota and cardiovascular health. This narrative review presents an overview of bile acid metabolism and the role of probiotics, prebiotics and polyphenol-rich foods in modulating circulating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers and bile acids. Although findings from human studies are inconsistent, there is growing evidence for associations between these dietary components and improved lipid CVD risk markers, attributed to modulation of the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. These include increased bile acid neo-synthesis, due to bile sequestering action, bile salt metabolising activity and effects of short chain fatty acids generated through bacterial fermentation of fibres. Animal studies have demonstrated effects on the FXR/FGF-15 axis and hepatic genes involved in bile acid synthesis (CYP7A1) and cholesterol synthesis (SREBP and HMGR). Further human studies are needed to determine the relationship between diet and bile acid metabolism and whether circulating bile acids can be utilised as a potential CVD risk biomarker.
Probiotics and natural products can promote humoral transport and effectively relieve intestinal motility. This study investigated the effects of probiotics with konjac glucomannan (KGM) and an aqueous extract of Prunus persica on constipation. The growth promotion effect of these natural products on probiotics was investigated using co-culture in vitro. The combined effect of probiotics with natural products on constipation were observed in mice. The tryptophan, tryptamine and short-chain fatty acid levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography. The key genes and proteins involved in humoral transport were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and fluorescence immunoassay. KGM promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis F1-7 in vitro, and a mixture of KGM and B. animalis F1-7 effectively promoted defaecation in mice, increased faecal content in water, shortened defaecation time and improved the gastrointestinal transit rate. In mice, the KGM + F1-7 mixture reduced the tryptophan level and increased the levels of tryptamine, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. In addition, the KGM + F1-7 mixture effectively increased the mRNA level of 5-HT4-G-protein-coupled receptors (5-HT4GPCR)/mucins-2 (MUC-2) and reduced the level of aquaporins (AQP3); furthermore, it upregulated the protein level of 5-HT4GPCR/MUC-2 and downregulated the protein level of AQP3. These findings indicated that the KGM + F1-7 mixture effectively improved intestinal motility and alleviated constipation through humoral transport-related pathways.
Objective
Various probiotics and natural products are able to relieve constipation. This study aimed to explore the effects of relieving constipation and potential mechanism of the combination laxative Konjac glucomannan-probiotic.
Research Methods & Procedures
This study evaluated the gastrointestinal tract viability of probiotics in vitro. A constipation model was constructed in BALB/c mice, and the efficacies of the combinations regarding their bowel movement-promoting effects were verified, including the first black stool defecation time and gastrointestinal transit rates of mice. Colonization by the probiotics was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), gas chromatography (GC), ELISA, qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB) were also used for analysis.
Results
Lactobacilli paracasei X11 (X11) and Lactobacilli casei YRL577 (YRL577) had outstanding gastrointestinal tract viability. Konjac Glucomannan (KGM) + X11, Prunus persica+X11, and Prunus persica+YRL577 significantly relieved constipation. In addition, KGM promoted the colonization of L. paracasei X11. Meanwhile, KGM+X11 effectively promoted the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice better than others and the 5-HT content in the KGM + X11 group was the highest among all the groups. Therefore, KGM + X11 was selected for further research. The combination laxative promoted the secretion of 5-HT, upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of 5-HT receptor 4 (5-HT4R) and serotonin transporter (SERT) via the 5-HT pathway and effectively relieved constipation.
Conclusion
The combination laxative Konjac glucomannan-probiotic (KGM+X11) promoted defecation in constipated mice, possibly by increasing short chain fatty acid metabolism and 5-hydroxytryptamine hormone release.
Through a series of gelatinization, enzymatic debranching and heat moisture treatment, unmilled japonica broken rice was applied to prepare thermally stable and digestive enzyme resistant flour. The optimal conditions of gelatinization temperature, enzyme/substrate ratio, and debranching duration were determined by the three-factor three-level response surface methodology (RSM). Raw flour and products processed in each step were collected to test and compare the hydration ability, reheated solubility, pasting property, starch classification (RDS, SDS, RS) and in vitro digestibility. The results of RSM showed that E/S ratio was the main factor influencing the RS formation, while influence aroused by hydrolysis time and gelatinization temperature were minor. Gelatinization broke down the intermolecular bonds of starch molecules, allowed the hydrogen bonding sites to engage more water, and improved the availability of digestion. However, debranching provided an opportunity for the alignment of short-chain and long-chain amylose molecules. Therefore, RS increased to 42%, and digestibility decreased accordingly. HMT could further enhance the molecular rearrangement, while the RS was increased to as high as 55% and the final product met the low GI criteria.
Medical dressings are used to protect damaged skin from external factors and provide a good healing environment. Hydrogels are aggregates of hydrophilic polymers and water that have a three-dimensional space and can absorb large amounts of water. It has been widely studied in the field of biomedical materials. In this study, we prepared a novel composite hydrogel combined carboxymethyl chitosan, collagen peptide and oxidized konjac, all three materials have been shown to be biocompatible. Then, we set up different hydrogels and tested hydrogels with different proportions. The structures of CMCS (carboxymethyl chitosan)/COP (collagen peptide)/OKGM (oxidized konjac) hydrogels were characterized by IR, NMR, X-ray diffraction and SEM. The effects of hydrogels on the growth of NS-FB and HS-FB cells were studied in vitro. The results of these tests show that the composite hydrogel has excellent mechanical properties and biological activity, and has potential application in wound dressing field.
Both konjac glucomannan (KGM) and inulin oligosaccharide have been shown to improve bowel function, but their effects on the mucosal barrier function and immunity are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine effects of a low-level supplementation of dietary fibres on the colonic mucosal barrier function, antioxidant enzyme defense and immunity. C57BL/6J mice (six weeks of age, 8 per group) were randomly assigned to consume one of the following diets: control, or control diet supplemented with 2% (w/w) of KGM, inulin oligosaccharide (degree polymerization=8) or KGM+Inulin (1% w/w each). Fresh feces were collected on d 19-21 for analyses of short-chain fatty acid and microflora. Mice were sacrificed on d 22 after fasting. Segments of colon tissues were processed for histological procedure and stained for acidic mucins and tight junction protein marker ZO-1. The remaining tissues were processed to determine gene expressions of mucin 2, tight junction proteins, antioxidant enzymes and cytokines. The plasma TNF-α and IL-10 level were also measured to investigate the systemic effects of dietary fibres. Results indicated that KGM, inulin and K+I significantly increased the mucosal layer thickness, mucin density (granule number/crypt) and gene expression of Muc2 as compared with the control. All fibre treatments increased the gene expressions of ZO-1, occludin, GPX, GST, catalase, and IL-10. In addition, all fibre treatments increased fecal butyrate and probiotics, and plasma IL-10 concentrations. In conclusion, supplementation of low-level, 2% (w/w), of KGM and inulin was sufficient to enhance the mucosal barrier function and anti-inflammatory status.
In this study, the bactericidal effects of Japanese alkaline foods on food-poisoning bacteria were evaluated. Konjac is an alkaline food soaked in calcinated calcium (the pH of konjac fluid ranges from 11.42 to 12.53). Konjac fluids completely inactivated Escherichia coli, enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 and E. coil O26:H9, Salmonella Enteritidis, Vibrio parahemolyticus. and Staphylococcus aureus. The initial level of 6 log CFU/ml dramatically decreased after incubation with konjac fluid, and no viable gram-negative bacterium cells could be detected within 1 to 2 days and no viable S. aureus cells could be detected within 3 to 5 days. On the other hand, treatment with konjac fluid was also effective in reducing levels of spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridium botulinum type E and type A). At least a 4-log reduction of spore-forming bacteria was obtained in konjac fluid within 7 to 14 days. Vegetative cells were more susceptible to konjac fluid than spores were. When the initial cell count was 6 log CFU/ml, a few surviving spores remained for 60 to 90 days, but no spores could be detected after 120 days. When the initial count of spore-forming bacteria was 3 to 4 log CFU/ml, the cells considered vegetative were completely inactivated within I to 3 days. Repeated treatment with konjac fluid caused complete inactivation of spores in less than 1 to 3 days. Our studies indicate that konjac fluid, which has a long history of use in food, will control food-poisoning bacterial contamination during the production or preservation of konjac and other foods and has a preventive effect on bacteria that can cause severe disease at uniquely low levels.
Chronic constipation is a very frequent disease in western countries but fibres can often solve the problem. In the present study, authors tested the efficacy and the acceptability of glucomannans, hydrophylic carbohydrates with a high degree of viscosity, in 93 patients affected with chronic constipation. The multicentric, open and non-controlled study was divided into an initial phase (treatment with 1g of glucomannans t.i.d. for 1 month) and a maintenance phase (1g b.i.d. for one month). We evaluated both objective parameters (number of days per week with bowel movements and number of enemas) and abdominal symptoms. After one month all assessed parameters showed a statistically significant improvement lasting through the second month. Glucomannans were well accepted and devoid of relevant side-effects. In conclusion, considering their efficacy and tolerability, they can be proposed as an ideal therapeutic tool in the management of chronic constipation symptoms.
We designed a panel of four 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes specific for bacteria of the phylum cytophaga-flavobacter-bacteroides (CFB). Probes CF319a and CF319b are targeted to members of the flavobacteria-cytophaga group and the genus Porphyromonas, whereas probe BAC303 has a target region characteristic for the genera Prevotella and Bacteroides within the bacteroides group. The probe FFE8b was developed for species-specific hybridizations with Flavobacterium ferrugineum. All probes were designed by computer-assisted sequence analysis and compared to all currently accessible 16S and 23S rRNA sequences. The oligonucleotides were further evaluated by whole-cell and non-radioactive dot-blot hybridization against reference strains of the CFB phylum and other major lineages of Bacteria. The newly developed probes were used together with other higher-order probes to analyse the structure and community composition in complex environments. In activated sludge samples, members of the flavobacteria-cytophaga group were revealed by in situ hybridization as important constituents of sludge flocs and characteristic colonizers of filamentous bacteria. By application of fluorescent probe BAC303, members of the genera Bacteroides and Prevotella could be visualized without prior cultivation as an important part of the human faecal microflora.
Clostridium perfringens iota-toxin is a binary toxin consisting of two individual proteins, the binding component (Ib) and the enzyme component (Ia).
Wild-type Ib bound to Vero cells at 4 and 37°C and formed oligomers at 37°C but not at 4°C. The Ib-induced K+ release from the cells was dependent on the oligomer formation of Ib in the cells, but the oligomer formation did not induce
rounding activity or cytotoxicity. After incubation of the cells with recombinant Ib (rIb) at 37°C, the Ib oligomer in the
cell became resistant to pronase treatment with time, but the Ib monomer was sensitive to the treatment. Furthermore, treatment
of Vero cells with rIb in the presence of bafilomycin, methylamine, or ethylamine resulted in accumulation of the oligomer
in the cells but had no effect on K+ release. Moreover, incubation with Ib plus Ia in the presence of these agents caused no rounding in the cells. These observations
suggest that Ib binds to Vero cells, itself oligomerizing to form ion-permeable channels and that the formation of oligomer
then induces endocytosis.
The present study was designed to evaluate effects of konjac glucomannan (KGM) supplement (3.6 g/day) for 28 days on blood lipid and glucose levels in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients and the possible mechanism for the reductions in blood lipid levels.
Twenty-two diabetic subjects (age 64.2 + 8.4 years, BMI 25.5 + 3.2 kg/m(2)) with elevated blood cholesterol levels (fasting glucose between 6.7-14.4 mmol/L), but currently not taking lipid-lowering medication, were recruited to participate in a two 28-day period, randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial. Fasting blood samples drawn on the initial and final days of each period were determined for plasma lipids and glucose levels. Feces collected at the end of each experimental period were analyzed for neutral sterol and bile acid contents.
Compared with placebo, KGM effectively reduced plasma cholesterol (11.1%, p = 0.0001, adjusted alpha = 0.006), LDL-cholesterol (20.7%, p = 0.0004, adjusted alpha = 0.006), total/HDL cholesterol ratio (15.6%, p = 0.0005, adjusted alpha = 0.007), ApoB (12.9%, p = 0.0001, adjusted alpha = 0.006) and fasting glucose (23.2%, p = 0.002, adjusted alpha = 0.008). Plasma triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol, postprandial glucose and body weight were not significant after adjustment by the Bonferroni-Hochberg procedure. Fecal neutral sterol and bile acid concentrations were increased by 18.0% (p = 0.004) and 75.4% (p < 0.001), respectively, with KGM supplement.
The KGM supplement improved blood lipid levels by enhancing fecal excretion of neutral sterol and bile acid and alleviated the elevated glucose levels in diabetic subjects. KGM could be an adjunct for the treatment of hyperlipidemic diabetic subjects.
Recent reports suggest that combinations of prebiotics and probiotics may be protective against colorectal cancer. We examined in rats the effects of probiotic bacteria, resistant starch (RS), and their interaction on luminal and epithelial events of relevance to the development of colorectal cancer. Lyophilized cultures (1 x 10(10) cfu/g) of Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium lactis were added at a concentration of 1% by weight to a semipurified diet containing either low-RS (no supplemented RS) or moderate-RS (10% Hi-maize) and fed to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 wk. Experimental end-points included cecal bacterial enumeration, fecal and cecal pH, SCFA levels, cell proliferation, and the acute apoptotic response to a genotoxic carcinogen (AARGC; measured 6 h after a single azoxymethane injection). A significant interaction between dietary RS and supplemental bacteria was observed for the AARGC in the colon and fecal pH (P < 0.01). Rats fed the moderate-RS diet in combination with B. lactis had a significantly greater AARGC in the colon than those fed that diet without B. lactis. Fecal pH was elevated in the moderate-RS fed rats supplemented with bacteria. The moderate-RS diet increased cell proliferation and crypt column height (P < 0.001) compared with the low-RS diet. SCFA levels and numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli species were also increased (P < 0.001) by the moderate-RS diet, whereas pH levels and total coliforms were lowered (P < 0.001). The synbiotic combination of RS and B. lactis significantly facilitated the apoptotic response to a genotoxic carcinogen in the distal colon of rats. It appears likely that ingested RS acts as a metabolic substrate, thus creating the right conditions for B. lactis to exert its proapoptotic action. Because the synbiotic combination of these agents facilitates the apoptotic response to DNA damage by a cancer initiator in the colon of rats, it warrants further study for its capacity to protect against colorectal cancer.
A Nutrition and Health Survey carried out in 1993-1996 used a multi- staged, stratified, clustered sampling design. A representative, and season- balanced sample of Taiwan was obtained from 21 townships, 3 each in 7 geographical or cultural strata. 24-hour recalls were obtained from 5,834 individuals (2,923 men and 2,911 women) aged 13-64. Chinese herbs and nutrient supplements were not included in the calculation of dietary intakes. Mean daily intakes of calories and macro-nutrients for men are: 2,203 kcal, 82.6 g of protein, 79.5 g of fat, and 272 g of carbohydrate. Protein, fat, and carbohydrate consist of 15.5%, 33.5%, and 51% of the total calories, respectively. Mean intakes of calories and macro-nutrients for women are: 1,569 Kcal, 61.6 g of protein, 61.1 g of fat, and 200 g of carbohydrate. Percent calorie from protein, fat, and carbohydrate were 15.4%, 34.4%, and 50.1%, respectively. Men ingested daily 1.4 mg of thiamin, 1.3 mg of riboflavin, 16.2 mg of niacin, 168 mg of ascorbic acid, 8090 I.U. of vitamin A, 7.8 mg of vitamin E, 504 mg of calcium, 14.2 mg of iron, 3821 mg of sodium, 344 mg of cholesterol, and 5.0 g of crude fiber. Women ingested 1.1 mg of thiamin, 1.1 mg of riboflavin, 11.8 mg of niacin, 176 mg of ascorbic acid, 7,809 I.U. of vitamin A, 7.3 mg of Vitamin E, 496 mg of calcium, 11.5 mg of iron, 3,569 mg of sodium, 264 mg of cholesterol, and 5.2 g of fiber. P/M/S ratio was 0.85/1.17/1 for men and 0.95/1.15/1 for women. The P/S ratio was lower than 1, the recommended value. The vitamin E / polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio was 0.36 for men and 0.41 for women. Overall speaking, the levels of percent calorie from fat and protein were higher, but that of carbohydrate was lower than the ideal values. Mean dietary intakes of vitamin E and calcium in men and women and iron in women were not above the values of the recommended daily nutrient allowances (RDNA). Dietary intakes of vitamin A and ascorbic acid were much beyond RDNA. Dietary cholesterol intake did not exceed 400 mg, recommended upper limit. There were some differences in dietary nutrient intakes among various age and sex groups. Women aged 13-24 and men aged 13-15 had the lowest values in % RDNA of several vitamins and minerals among all age-sex groups. However, carbohydrate intakes were the highest for these young people and for women aged 55-64. In this survey, Taiwan was divided according to dietary habits, geographic locations and urbanization index into 7 strata: Hakka area, mountainous area, eastern coastal area, Peng-Hu islands, metropolitan areas, provincial cities and class I townships, and class II townships. Unique characteristics of Hakka area was that percent calorie from protein was the highest and dietary vitamin E level was the lowest in comparison with others. Dietary intakes of riboflavin, calcium, iron, and crude fiber of the mountainous area were lower than those of other strata. Levels of thiamin, fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and calorie from fat were lower in Peng-Hu than other strata. Levels of niacin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, P/S ratio, protein, and calorie from carbohydrate were higher than those of others. The metropolitan areas had higher intakes of riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, and cholesterol, but lower P/S ratio. The provincial cities and class I townships had lower intakes of vitamin A, vitamin E, and polyunsaturated fatty acids than others. Class II townships had higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and percent calorie from fat, but lower level of calorie from protein than others. In comparison with previous two surveys, levels of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, calcium, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and percent calorie from protein were higher than before, but levels of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin E, sodium, iron, monounsaturated fatty acids, and P/S ratio were lower than before. Percentage of fat and carbohydrate and crude fiber intake was similar to the previous survey values.
Yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (designated as Bifidus yogurt) was administered to adult volunteers and its effects on the intestinal environment with reference to fecal microflora, ammonia levels, fecal characteristics (color, consistency) and defecation frequency were examined. Bifidus yogurt was manufactured by fermenting milk with B. longum BB536, Streptococcus thermophilus STH-450 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LBU-108. Standard yogurt manufactured using only S. thermophilus STH-450 and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LBU-108 was used as the control diet. Eleven women volunteers were assigned as subjects to test the effects of Bifidus yogurt on the intestinal environment. Thirty-nine women volunteers were assigned as subjects to test the effects on fecal characteristics and defecation frequency. The volunteers were each administered 100 g of standard yogurt per day for two weeks. After a two-week interval period, each subject was administered 100 g of Bifidus yogurt per day for the subsequent test period. The period of administration of Bifidus yogurt was 2 weeks for testing effects on the intestinal environment and 3 weeks for testing effects on fecal characteristics and defecation frequency. The administration of Bifidus yogurt was effective to increase the number and relative percentage of fecal bifidobacteria significantly. The fecal ammonia concentration tended to decrease and fecal organic acid content tended to increase. The defecation frequency was significantly increased by Bifidus yogurt. The color of the feces changed to yellow and the consistency changed to soft. The administration of Bifidus yogurt was effective to improve the intestinal environment, fecal characteristics and defecation frequency.
Mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied in 13 patients affected by chronic idiopathic constipation and 18 control subjects matched with the constipation group for age, sex, and dietary habits. In a preliminary investigation, all patients showed a prolonged whole gut (oroanal) transit time as measured with radiopaque markers. Mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied through the serial determination of breath H2 after administration of 12 g lactulose diluted in 120 ml water. Breath H2 was measured with a gas analyzer and was determined in parts per million (ppm). Breath H2 after lactulose was also determined in the group with constipation after a 10-day diet that included either glucomannan (1 g tid orally) or placebo administered in a double-blind manner. The results show a statistically significant increase in mouth-to-cecum transit time in the group with constipation, compared with controls, and a return to within the normal range after the 10-day treatment with glucomannan. With placebo, no difference in transit time was noted. We therefore suggest that chronic idiopathic constipation is a disease that involves the whole gut.
There is epidemiological evidence that populations with alkaline stool pH are at greater risk for colon cancer than populations with acid stool pH. This association was investigated in the laboratory using the rat-dimethylhydrazine colon carcinogenesis model. Rats with acid stool pH, produced by consumption of lactulose or sodium sulphate or both, had significantly fewer colon tumours after injections of dimethylhydrazine (DMH) than rats treated with DMH alone. The results confirm the hypothesis that acidification of the stool can protect against the induction of colon cancer.
Mean faecal urobilinogen levels and the pH of stools were both found to be higher in subjects from a population group at high risk of developing cancer of the colon than in subjects matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status from a low-risk population group. An alkaline reaction of the colon contents seems to have a tumorigenic effect by a direct action on the mucus of the mucous cells. An acidic reaction, on the other hand, appears to be protective. These differences are dependent on the patterns of diet and manner of eating. Proper mastication of food, roughage, cellulose and vegetable fibre, and short-chain fatty acids of milk and fermented milk products in the diet appear to be protective.
The effect of Konjac mannan (KM) on spontaneous liver tumorigenesis and fecal flora was studied in C3H/He male mice maintained on a diet containing 10% KM. The weight gain in the 10% KM diet group was lower than that in a control diet group throughout the experimental period. At 12 months of age, the number of liver tumor nodules per mouse in the KM diet group was significantly lower than that in the control diet group (P less than 0.05). Frequency of occurrence of bifidobacteria and bacterial counts of enterobacteriaceae in the KM diet group were significantly higher than those in the control diet group (P less than 0.05). Thus, the present study demonstrates that dietary KM inhibited spontaneous liver tumorigenesis and altered fecal flora in C3H/He male mice.
PCR procedures based on 16S rRNA gene sequences specific for 12 anaerobic bacteria that predominate in the human intestinal tract were developed and used for quantitative detection of these species in human (adult and baby) feces and animal (rat, mouse, cat, dog, monkey, and rabbit) feces. Fusobacterium prausnitzii, Peptostreptococcus productus, and Clostridium clostridiiforme had high PCR titers (the maximum dilutions for positive PCR results ranged from 10(-3) to 10(-8)) in all of the human and animal fecal samples tested. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Eubacterium limosum also showed higher PCR titers (10(-2) to 10(-6)) in adult human feces. The other bacteria tested, including Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Eubacterium biforme, and Bacteroides distasonis, were either at low PCR titers (less than 10(-2)) or not detected by PCR. The reported PCR procedure including the fecal sample preparation method is simplified and rapid and eliminates the DNA isolation steps.
Generally, stool weight is significantly increased by adding sources of insoluble fiber to the diet. Comparable amounts of fiber provided by wheat and oat brans have the same effect on daily stool output, even though > 90% of wheat bran fiber but only 50-60% of oat bran fiber is insoluble. To determine the bases for these increases in stool weight, stool samples collected from 5 men in 2 constant diet studies that determined the effects of wheat and oat brans on large-bowel physiology were fractionated by using a physicochemical procedure into plant, bacterial, and soluble fractions, which were weighed and analyzed for sugar content and composition. Nitrogen, crude fat, and ash outputs were also determined. Wheat bran increased the fecal concentration of sugars and mass of plant material more than did oat bran, whereas oat bran increased fecal bacterial mass more. Each fiber source increased nitrogen, ash, and fat excretion, but excretion of fat was greater with oat bran. The apparent digestibility of plant-derived neutral sugars decreased significantly when wheat but not oat bran was consumed. The apparent digestibility of neutral sugars provided by wheat bran was 56%; the apparent digestibility of those provided by oat bran was 96%. We conclude that bacteria and lipids are major contributors to the increase in stool weight with oat bran consumption, whereas undigested plant fiber is responsible for much of the increase in stool weight with wheat bran consumption. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that oat bran increases stool weight by providing rapidly fermented soluble fiber in the proximal colon for bacterial growth, which is sustained until excretion by fermentation of the insoluble fiber.
Konjac (konnyaku) glucomannan was examined for its degradation in human intestines and fermentation products. The konjac glucomannan was degraded almost 100% by soluble enzymes in human feces to give 4-O-beta-D-mannopyranosyl-D-mannopyranose (beta-1,4-D-mannobiose), 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-D-glucopyranose (cellobiose), 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannopyranose, and small amounts of glucose and mannose. These three disaccharides were further degraded by a cell-associated enzyme(s) to glucose or mannose, or to both. Konjac glucomannan underwent fermentation by intestinal anaerobic bacteria and produced formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and 1-butyric acid. These fatty acids were different in their proportions among test subjects, their total amounts ranging from 17.1% to 48.8% of the initial konjac glucomannan.
Effects of intestinal microflora on the development of colonic neoplasm induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) were observed using conventionalized and gnotobiotic mouse models. The incidence of colonic adenoma in germ-free mice (IQI/jic) (GF), mice conventionalized after DMH injection (Cvz-post-DMH) and conventionalized mice (Cvz, conventionalized before DMH injection) was 74%, 69% and 58%, respectively. The mean number of adenomas per mouse in the three groups was 2.6, 2.0 and 1.4, respectively. However, the adenoma in Cvz was larger than in GF. The incidence of adenoma in mice mono-associated with Mitsuokella multiacida, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus was 68%, 68%, 63%, 50%, 50% and 30%, respectively. However, the adenoma in the Cl. paraputrificum group and the Cl. butyricum group was larger than in GF. Faecal pH in Cvz and the L. acidophilus group was significantly lower than in GF. The deconjugation rate of faecal bile acids in Cvz, the Cl. paraputrificum group and the Cl. butyricum group was significantly higher than in GF. These findings suggested two different effects of microflora on the development of DMH-induced adenoma: either an inhibition of the incidence of adenoma or a promotion of tumour growth. Effects of L. acidophilus may be mediated by faecal pH and effects of Cl. paraputrificum and Cl. butyricum by deconjugated bile acids.
An automated microscopy-based method using fluorescently labelled 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes directed against the predominant groups of intestinal bacteria was developed and validated. The method makes use of the Leica 600HR image analysis system, a Kodak MegaPlus camera model 1.4 and a servo-controlled Leica DM/RXA ultra-violet microscope. Software for automated image acquisition and analysis was developed and tested. The performance of the method was validated using a set of four fluorescent oligonucleotide probes: a universal probe for the detection of all bacterial species, one probe specific for Bifidobacterium spp., a digenus-probe specific for Bacteroides spp. and Prevotella spp. and a trigenus-probe specific for Ruminococcus spp., Clostridium spp. and Eubacterium spp. A nucleic acid stain, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), was also included in the validation. In order to quantify the assay-error, one faecal sample was measured 20 times using each separate probe. Thereafter faecal samples of 20 different volunteers were measured following the same procedure in order to quantify the error due to individual-related differences in gut flora composition. It was concluded that the combination of automated microscopy and fluorescent whole-cell hybridisation enables distinction in gut flora-composition between volunteers at a significant level. With this method it is possible to process 48 faecal samples overnight, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.07 to 0.30.
Inadequate dietary fiber intake is a widely accepted explanation for chronic constipation in children with severe brain damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of glucomannan, a soluble fiber, as a treatment for chronic constipation in these children.
Twenty children with severe brain damage and chronic constipation were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with either glucomannan (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) for 12 weeks. Stool habits, total and segmental gastrointestinal transit times, and anorectal motility were evaluated in all children before and after the treatment period.
Glucomannan significantly increased (P <.01) stool frequency, whereas the effect of placebo was not significant. Laxative or suppository use was significantly reduced (P <.01) by glucomannan but was not affected by placebo. Clinical scores of stool consistency were significantly improved and episodes of painful defecation per week were significantly reduced by glucomannan (P <.01) but not by placebo. However, neither glucomannan nor placebo had a measurable effect on total and segmental transit times.
In neurologically impaired children, glucomannan improves stool frequency but has no effect on colonic motility.
To study the effects of intestinal bacteria on the development of colonic neoplasm, we have established gnotobiotic mice with a single species of intestinal bacteria. In the previous study, the incidence of colonic adenoma induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in the gnotobiotic mice with Lactobacillus acidophilus, gnotobiotic mice with Escherichia coli and germ-free mice were 30, 50 and 74%, respectively. In this study, 7-week-old mice in each group were sacrificed without the administration of DMH to examine the constituents of immuno-competent cells in various mouse organs using flow cytometry. In the gnotobiotic mice, CD3 intermediate interleukin (IL)-2Rbeta positive cells were observed predominantly in the liver. In the gnotobiotic mice with L. acidophilus, Mac-1 positive Gr-1 positive cells were observed predominantly in the colonic lamina propria. The activation of extrathymic T cells in the liver and granulocytes in the colonic mucosa may be related to anti-neoplastic effects of L. acidophilus in this experimental model.
Fermented milk products might be used for cancer chemoprevention due to their putative anticarcinogenic and antitumor activities. The diet was supplemented with freeze-dried milk fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus strain LBB.B 144 (product FFM.B 144) added throughout the experiment at doses of 1.3 g and 2.5 g per rat, 5 times a week starting 3 weeks before the first carcinogen injection. This treatment significantly inhibited, by 26.2-28.6% and by 34.2%, the total intestinal carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 21 mg/kg, s.c., once per week for 20 weeks) in male and female BD6 rats, respectively. FFM.B144 decreased the tumor incidence and multiplicity in large bowel, caecum, and duodenum. Protective effects were better expressed in female animals, with exception of that observed in duodenum. Supplementation of diet with freeze-dried milk fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus strain LBB.B5 (product FFM.B5) inhibited DMH-induced carcinogenesis only in the large bowel, but had no significant protective effect when all intestinal tumors were taken into account. However, both freeze-dried products favorably shifted the differentiation of large bowel tumors by increasing the proportion of benign and highly differentiated malignant tumors and decreasing in parallel the number of poorly differentiated carcinomas without influencing the tumor size. A lower number of cases with visible mesenterial metastasis was also observed in FFM-treated rats. In addition, both FFM.B 144 and FFM.B5 significantly inhibited, by 26-33%, the induction in the same rats of ear-duct tumors. FFM.B144 but not FFM.B5 was also effective in inhibiting the tracheal carcinogenesis induced in Syrian golden hamsters by diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 100 mg/kg, two s.c. injections), the protective effect being better expressed in female animals. The anticarcinogenic potential of some fermented milk products might be exploited in chemoprevention of cancer in humans.
Probiotic bacteria strains were examined for their influence on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced intestinal tumors in 100 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Lactobacillus acidophilus (Delvo Pro LA-1), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG), Bifidobacterium animalis (CSCC1941), and Streptococcus thermophilus (DD145) strains were examined for their influence when added as freeze-dried bacteria to an experimental diet based on a high-fat semipurified (AIN-93) rodent diet. Four bacterial treatments were compared: L. acidophilus, L. acidophilus + B. animalis, L. rhamnosus, and S. thermophilus, the bacteria being added daily at 1% freeze-dried weight (10(10) colony-forming units/g) to the diet. Trends were observed in the incidence of rats with large intestinal tumors for three treatments: 25% lower than control for L. acidophilus, 20% lower for L. acidophilus + B. animalis and L. rhamnosus treatments, and 10% lower for S. thermophilus. Large intestinal tumor burden was significantly lower for treated rats with L. acidophilus than for the control group (10 and 3 tumors/treatment group, respectively, p = 0.05). Large intestinal tumor mass index was also lower for the L. acidophilus treatment than for control (1.70 and 0.10, respectively, p < 0.05). Other treatments showed no statistically significant change from control for these indexes of tumorigenesis. For rats fed L. acidophilus, no adenocarcinomas were present in the colons. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of bacterial chromosomal DNA fragments was used to differentiate introduced (exogenous) bacterial strains from indigenous bacteria of the same genera present in the feces. Survival during gut passage and displacement of indigenous lactobacilli occurred with introduced L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus GG during the probiotic treatment period. However, introduced strains of B. animalis and S. thermophilus were not able to be isolated from feces. It is concluded that this strain of L. acidophilus supplied as freeze-dried bacteria in the diet was protective, as seen by a small but significant inhibition of tumors within the rat colon.
To evaluate effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IO) on the bowel function and nutritional status of elderly men.
Seven older male subjects participated in this study that consisted of a 30-day control low fiber period followed by a 30-day IO-supplemented (10 g active components) experimental period. Bowel functions such as defecation, enema use and bloating were monitored daily. Fecal characteristics such as wet and dry stool weights, stool moisture, pH and short-chain fatty acid contents were determined on five-day fecal composites collected in each period. Feces were further fractionated into plant, bacterial and soluble fractions to determine the bases for the increase in stool weight. Nutritional status of subjects was assessed with anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake and biochemical measurements.
Incorporation of IO significantly increased the defecation frequency, wet stool output and dry stool weight by twofold, 70% and 55%, respectively. Fecal acetate and propionate concentrations significantly increased by nearly two and a half fold with IO supplement. The increase in stool bulk was mainly attributed by increased bacterial mass. Mean serum sodium concentration decreased in the experimental period while other blood characteristics did not change significantly. Anthropometric parameters and nutrient intake remained constant throughout the study.
Consumption of IO effectively improved bowel movement, stool output and microbial fermentation in the colon without any adverse effect observed in this study. Therefore, supplementation of IO into ordinary low fiber diets may be practical in relieving constipation in the elderly population.
The health benefits of pre- and probiotics have been the subject of increased research interests. These food supplements have been demonstrated to alter the pre-existing intestinal flora so as to provide an advantage to the host. This review focuses on the scientific evidence both for and against their role in promoting health and treating disease. Specific attention is turned to their effects on immunomodulation, lipid metabolism, cancer prevention, diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori, necrotizing enterocolitis, allergy, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The prebiotic role of intact konjac glucomannan (KGM) is contradictory. Short-chain glucomannan may cause a greater or faster effect on colonic microflora compared with KGM. Therefore, time-course and dose-dependent studies were conducted to examine and compare effects of unhydrolyzed KGM with those of acid-hydrolyzed glucomannan (KH) on cecal and fecal microflora. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations in cecal content were also determined.
Seven-week-old male Balb/c mice were fed 5% (w/w) cellulose and KGM or KH diets for 2 or 4 wk in a time-course study. Cecal total anaerobes, bifidobacteria, Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli counts, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were determined. In a subsequent dose-dependent study, Balb/c mice were fed AIN-93 fiber-free diets supplemented with 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5% of KGM or KH for 4 wk. Anaerobes, bifidobacteria, C. perfringens, and E. coli were enumerated in the cecal content and feces.
KGM and KH significantly increased cecal anaerobes and bifidobacteria counts at weeks 2 and 4, respectively, compared with cellulose. In contrast, KGM and KH significantly decreased cecal C. perfringens counts only at week 4. Acetate and propionate concentrations in cecal contents were increased by KGM and KH diets at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. In the dose-dependent study, KH increased cecal bifidobacteria counts only at the 2.5% level but increased fecal bifidobacteria count and suppressed C. perfringens counts at each dose level as compared with KGM.
Hydrolyzed glucomannan exerts a greater prebiotic effect than does KGM in Balb/c mice.
Effect of administration of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium in healthy persons
- T Tomoda
- Y Nakano
- T Kageyama