Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Normal Flora (normal + flora)
Selected AbstractsNew directions and interactions in metagenomics researchFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Naomi Ward Abstract Metagenomics, which aims to access the genomic potential of an environmental sample directly, is a burgeoning area that is generating enormous amounts of biological information. An examination of recent metagenomics literature reveals the discipline to be heading in new and interesting directions, including the investigation of the normal flora of mammals, analysis of ancient genomes, and exploration of the distribution of novel pathways. In addition, the development of new bioinformatics approaches and tools is allowing innovative mining of both existing and new data. Finally, there are indications that the integration of metagenomics with complementary approaches in microbial ecology is beginning. [source] The Bifidogenic Growth Stimulator Inhibits the Growth and Respiration of Helicobacter pyloriHELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2010Kumiko Nagata Abstract Background:, Triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and a proton-pump inhibitor is a common therapeutic strategy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, frequent appearance of clarithromycin-resistant strains is a therapeutic challenge. While various quinones are known to specifically inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the quinone 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) produced by Propionibacterium has strong stimulating effect on Bifidobacterium. We were interested to see whether DHNA could inhibit the growth of H. pylori in in vitro or in vivo experimental setting. Materials and Methods:, The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DHNA was determined by the agar dilution method. The inhibitory action of DHNA on the respiratory activity was measured by using an oxygen electrode. Germ-free mice infected with H. pylori were given DHNA in free drinking water containing 100 ,g/mL for 7 days. Results:, DHNA inhibited H. pylori growth at low MIC values, 1.6,3.2 ,g/mL. Likewise, DHNA inhibited clinical isolates of H. pylori, resistant to clarithromycin. However, DHNA did not inhibit other Gram negative or anaerobic bacteria in the normal flora of the human intestine. Both H. pylori cellular respiration and adenosine 5,-triphosphate (ATP) generation were dose-dependently inhibited by DHNA. Similarly, the culture filtrates of propionibacterial strains inhibited the growth of H. pylori, and oral administration of DHNA could eradicate H. pylori in the infected germ-free mice. Conclusions:, The bifidogenic growth stimulator DHNA specifically inhibited the growth of H. pylori including clarithromycin-resistant strains in vitro and its colonization activity in vivo. The bactericidal activity of DHNA was via inhibition of cellular respiration. These actions of DHNA may have clinical relevance in the eradication of H. pylori. [source] Role of the innate immune system in host defence against bacterial infections: focus on the Toll-like receptorsJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007B. Albiger Abstract. The innate immunity plays a critical role in host protection against pathogens and it relies amongst others on pattern recognition receptors such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domains proteins (NOD-like receptors, NLRs) to alert the immune system of the presence of invading bacteria. Since their recent discovery less than a decade ago, both TLRs and NLRs have been shown to be crucial in host protection against microbial infections but also in homeostasis of the colonizing microflora. They recognize specific microbial ligands and with the use of distinct adaptor molecules, they activate different signalling pathways that in turns trigger subsequent inflammatory and immune responses that allows a immediate response towards bacterial infections and the initiation of the long-lasting adaptive immunity. In this review, we will focus on the role of the TLRs against bacterial infections in humans in contrast to mice that have been used extensively in experimental models of infections and discuss their role in controlling normal flora or nonpathogenic bacteria. We also highlight how bacteria can evade recognition by TLRs. [source] Genetically engineered normal flora for oral polypeptide delivery: Dose,absorption responseJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 8 2009Gagan Kaushal Abstract Genetically modified Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis), a probiotic bacterium, able to secrete ,-lactamase (29 kDa), was used as a vector for the oral delivery of ,-lactamase to the rats. Three different doses of L. lactis were administered to the rats, and the resulted ,-lactamase oral bioavailability was studied, and compared to the solution form. The oral administration of 1.2,×,107, 3,×,107, and 8,×,107 colony-forming units of L. lactis led to 145, 209, and 364 mU of ,-lactamase absorbed, and the corresponding bioavailability was 8.7%, 15.5%, and 20.8% based on the in vitro production of ,-lactamase by L. lactis. The oral administration of 504 mU and 1008 mU ,-lactamase free solution resulted in 30 and 47 mU absorbed, a bioavailability of 5.9% and 4.7%, respectively. L. lactis significantly (p,<,0.01) increased the oral bioavailability compared to the free solution form. A significant (p,<,0.01) increase in the MAT value as compared to the solution, demonstrated that L. lactis can be used as a sustained delivery system. In conclusion, there is a linear relationship between L. lactis dose and these absorption PK parameters within L. lactis dose range of the current study. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:2573,2580, 2009 [source] | ||||||||||