scholarly journals Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Immune Response in Soldiers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahtab Noorifard ◽  
Elahe Ebrahimi ◽  
Arasb Dabbagh Moghaddam ◽  
Zatollah Asemi ◽  
Ramin Hamidi Farahani ◽  
...  

Background: Athletic soldiers undergo strenuous and high-endurance training to prepare for competition. Stress and deprivation of proper nutrition can weaken the immune system in athletic soldiers. Therefore, enhancing the immune system function in addition to enhancing the performance of athletic soldiers can lead to a reduction in health costs for the military. Objectives: In this study, the effects of probiotic supplementation on the immune response of soldiers were assessed. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 42 athletic soldiers were randomly divided into two groups of 21 members. Participants in the probiotic group daily received one glass of fruit juice containing Bacillus coagulans (2 × 109 CFU/g). The control group consumed the placebo at the same time. At the beginning and end of the study, as well as at specific times, IgA, CD4, lactate, and urea were measured in blood samples of all participants. Results: Probiotic supplementation increased the concentration of IgA (+115.7 ± 28.3 vs. -108.3 ± 25.7 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and CD4 levels (+129.1 ± 42.6 vs. -54.5 ± 114.6 cells/µL, P < 0.001) after three months in the test group. In addition, a significant decrease was seen in serum lactate (-5.7 ± 10.1 vs. +10.1 ± 7.4. mg/L, P < 0.001) and urea (-9.9 ± 6.7 vs. +2.3 ± 5.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001) concentrations following probiotic supplementation compared to the placebo. Conclusions: Probiotic consumption for 12 weeks has a positive effect on the immune response of soldiers.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0250234
Author(s):  
Sukamto Koesnoe ◽  
Nuning Masjkuri ◽  
Asri Adisasmita ◽  
Samsuridjal Djauzi ◽  
Cissy Kartasasmita ◽  
...  

Aim To investigate the effect of influenza vaccination with or without probiotic supplementation on the immune response and incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the elderly. Methods A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a modified factorial design was conducted in 554 healthy elderly subjects aged 67 ± 5.6 (ranging from 60–90) years old in the Primary Health Care Center (Puskesmas area) of the Pulo Gadung District East Jakarta. Subjects received either a trivalent influenza vaccine or placebo at the start of the study, and a probiotic supplement (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011) or a placebo for 6 months. Subjects were randomly assigned into four intervention groups: influenza vaccine and probiotics (n = 141), influenza vaccine and placebo (n = 136), placebo and probiotics (n = 140), and both placebo (n = 137). The primary outcome was ILI incidence within 6 months. The secondary outcomes were seroprotection and seroconversion rates at 1, 4, and 6 months after administering the interventions. Results This study showed that the trivalent influenza vaccine increased seroprotection (RR 3.6 [95%CI 2.92–4.47]; p<0.010) and seroconversion (RR 29.8 [95%CI 11.1–79.5]; p<0.010) rates 1 month after vaccination in elderly people while the probiotic supplement did not alter influenza antibody titers (p = 1.000 and p = 0.210). The relative ILI incidence risk was similar between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups, as well as in the probiotic group compared to the non-probiotic group. Conclusion The tested trivalent influenza vaccine significantly induced seroprotection and seroconversion in the vaccinated subjects, while probiotics administration did not influence these parameters. Vaccinated individuals displayed a similarly low ILI incidence as those in the Control Group. However, the observed trend towards a reduction of ILI incidence with probiotics supplementation warrants further assessments in a larger, at-risk population. Clinical trial registry number NCT03695432.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Daehyun Kim ◽  
Joonho Moon ◽  
Jaejung Ha ◽  
Doyoon Kim ◽  
Junkoo Yi

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is the most common method for preventing the spread of the disease; the negative effects include miscarriage, early embryo death, lower milk production, and decreased growth of fattening cattle. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the side effects of vaccination by determining the acute immune response and ovulation rate after vaccinating cows for foot-and-mouth disease. The test axis was synchronized with ovulation using 100 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Livestock Research Institute; only individuals with estrus confirmed by ovarian ultrasound were used for the test. All test axes were artificially inseminated 21 days after the previous estrus date. The control group was administered 0.9% normal saline, the negative control was injected intramuscularly with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 µg/kg), and the test group was administered a foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine (FMDV vaccine; bioaftogen, O and A serotypes, inactivated vaccine) 2, 9, and 16 days before artificial insemination. White blood cells and neutrophils increased significantly 1 day after vaccination, and body temperature in the rumen increased for 16 h after vaccination. Ovulation was detected 1 day after artificial fertilization by ovarian ultrasound. The ovulation rates were as follows: control 89%, LPS 60%, FMDV vaccine (−2 d) 50%, FMDV vaccine (−9 d) 75%, and FMDV vaccine (−16 d) 75%. In particular, the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) test group confirmed that ovulation was delayed for 4 days after artificial insemination. In addition, it was confirmed that it took 9 days after inoculation for the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A to recover to the normal range as the main acute immune response factors. The conception rate of the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) group was 20%, which was significantly lower than that of the other test groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Urška Nabergoj Makovec ◽  
Igor Locatelli ◽  
Mitja Kos

Abstract Background Based on several existing patient-oriented activities, Medicines Use Review (MUR) service was standardized and officially adopted in Slovenia in 2015. Service aims to provide adherence support and ensure safe and effective medicines use. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of MUR in Slovenia, primarily the impact on medication adherence. Methods A randomised controlled trial was performed in community pharmacies to compare MUR with standard care. Patients were randomised into either the test (patients received MUR by a certified MUR provider at visit 1), or control group. The study primary outcome was self-reported adherence to multiple medications, assessed by electronic ©Morisky Widget MMAS-8 Software at the first visit (V1) and after 12 weeks (V2). A sub-analysis of intentional and unintentional non-adherence was performed. MUR impact was defined as the relative difference in ©MMAS-8 score after 12 weeks between the test and control group. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict MUR impact based on baseline adherence (low versus medium and high). Several secondary outcomes (e.g. evaluation of drug-related problems (DRPs)) were also assessed. Results Data from 153 (V1) and 140 (V2) patients were analysed. Baseline adherence was low, moderate and high in 17.6, 48.4 and 34.0% patients, respectively. In the low adherence subpopulation, test group patients showed a 1.20 point (95% CI = 0.16–2.25) increase in total ©MMAS-8 score (p = 0.025) compared to control group patients. A 0.84 point (95% CI = 0.05–1.63) increase was due to intentional non-adherence (p = 0.038), and a 0.36 point (95% CI = − 0.23-0.95) was due to unintentional non-adherence (p = 0.226). Additionally, statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients with manifested DRPs (p < 0.001) and concerns regarding chronic medicines use (p = 0.029) were revealed. Conclusion MUR service in Slovenia improves low medication adherence and is effective in addressing DRPs and concerns regarding chronic medicines use. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04417400; 4th June 2020; retrospectively registered.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 391
Author(s):  
Christine Lundtorp-Olsen ◽  
Christian Enevold ◽  
Svante Twetman ◽  
Daniel Belstrøm

Background: The purpose of the present study was to longitudinally characterize the supragingival microbiota throughout a three months period in orally healthy individuals. We tested the hypothesis that the supragingival microbiota shows a high degree of compositional stability, which is resilient against the external perturbation of regular use of probiotics, as long as oral health is maintained. Methods: The present study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study population comprised a total of 110 oral and systemic healthy individuals, distributed in a probiotic (n = 55) and placebo (n = 55) group, where the test group consumed tablets with the probiotic strains Lacticaseibacillusrhamnosus (formerly Lactobacillus) PB01 DSM14870 and Latilactobacillus curvatus (formerly Lactobacillus) EB10 DSM32307 for a period of 12 weeks. Supragingival plaque samples and clinical registrations were performed at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. The supragingival microbiota was characterized by means of 16S rDNA sequencing. Sequences were referenced against the HOMD database. Results: No significant changes of the core microbiota, as expressed by relative abundance of predominant genera and species were evident during the three months observation period in the probiotic or the placebo group. Conclusions: Data from the present study clearly demonstrate long term compositional stability of the supragingival microbiota as long as oral health is maintained. In addition, the tested probiotics had no augmenting effect on the supragingival microbiota in oral health.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2100752
Author(s):  
Pradeesh Sivapalan ◽  
Charlotte Suppli Ulrik ◽  
Therese Sophie Lapperre ◽  
Rasmus Dahlin Bojesen ◽  
Josefin Eklöf ◽  
...  

BackgroundCombining the antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine induces airway immunomodulatory effects, with the latter also having in vitro antiviral properties. This may improve outcomes in patients hospitalised for COVID-19.MethodsPlacebo-controlled double-blind randomised multicentre trial. Patients ≥18 years, admitted to hospital for≤48 h (not intensive care) with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, were recruited. The intervention was 500 mg daily azithromycin for 3 days followed by 250 mg daily azithromycin for 12 days combined with 200 mg twice daily hydroxychloroquine for all 15 days. The control group received placebo/placebo. The primary outcome was days alive and discharged from hospital within 14 days (DAOH14).ResultsAfter randomisation of 117 patients, at the first planned interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring board recommended stopping enrolment due to futility, based on pre-specified criteria. Consequently, the trial was terminated on February 1, 2021. A total of 61 patients received the combined intervention and 56 patients received placebo. In the intervention group, patients had a median of 9.0 DAOH14 (IQR, 3–11) versus. 9.0 DAOH14 (IQR, 7–10) in the placebo group (p=0.90). The primary safety outcome, death from all causes on day 30, occurred for 1 patient in the intervention group versus. 2 patients receiving placebo (p=0.52), and readmittance or death within 30 days occurred for 9 patients in the intervention group versus. 6 patients receiving placebo (p=0.57).ConclusionsThe combination of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine did not improve survival or length of hospitalisation in patients with COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Marjan Mahdavi Roshan ◽  
Arsalan Salari ◽  
Sogol Emaminejad ◽  
Shirin Parvinroo ◽  
Asieh Ashouri ◽  
...  

High blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. With regard to the significant role of a healthy diet in the prevention and even treatment of diseases together with the high cost and side effects of drugs, finding foods effective in the treatment of metabolic disorders has been widely considered. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oxymel – an Iranian traditional syrup with vinegar base – on cardiovascular risk indicators in obese and overweight people. Candidates were selected based on a set of inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of control and test. The control group received 250 cc of water, while the test group received 250 cc water containing 30 cc of the oxymel for 30 days. Anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured at the beginning and end of the study. The results showed that there were no significant changes in the body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose level. However, weight (P = 0.053) and cholesterol (P = 0.083) decreased relatively significantly in the test group compared to the control group. This study shows that consumption of oxymel has positive cardiovascular effects such as lowering the blood cholesterol level and can contribute to weight loss; however, studies with a larger sample size are recommended.


2005 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Barreto-Medeiros ◽  
E. G. Feitoza ◽  
K. Magalhães ◽  
R. R. da Silva ◽  
F. M. Manhães-de-Castro ◽  
...  

The repercussion on the immune response of the expression of intraspecific aggressiveness in the face of a stressor agent was investigated in rats. Ninety-day-old animals were divided into three groups: the control group (only immunological measurements were performed), the foot-shock (FS) (animals individually receiving FS), and the intraspecific aggressive response (IAR) group (animals receiving FS and presenting IAR). For immunological measurements, blood samples were collected promptly at 7 and 15 days after FS or IAR. The FS reduced the total leukocyte amount presented. However, aggressiveness triggered not only reduction of the leukocytes, but also lymphocyte decrease and neutrophil increase. Moreover, an elevation in total leukocytes associated with an increase in the humoral immune response was also observed one week after IAR. In this study, the expression of intraspecific aggressiveness in the face of a stressor seemed to activate the immune system and to potentiate the antigen specific humoral response.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei Liu ◽  
Weiye Wen ◽  
Ka Fung Yu ◽  
Xiaoli Gao ◽  
Edward Chin Man Lo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Poor oral hygiene and high hormone levels during pregnancy can lead to a deterioration in periodontal health. This study assessed the effectiveness of a family-centered behavioral and educational counselling program on improving the periodontal health of women during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted among pregnant women (10th-22nd gestational week) and their husbands. Participating families were randomized into test and control groups. Intervention in the test group included explanation of oral health education (OHE) pamphlets, oral hygiene instruction, individualized feedback, and proposed solutions to overcome barriers in self-care. Reinforcements were implemented in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and six months postpartum. In the control group, only OHE pamphlets were distributed. The assessed outcomes were bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket (Poc), loss of clinical attachment (LoA), and Visible Plaque Index (VPI). The data collection was carried out at baseline (T0), in the 32nd gestational week (T1), and 12 months postpartum (T2). Results Altogether 589 pregnant women were recruited, and 369 attended all three visits (test:188; control:181). In the test group, the mean VPI score at T0 was 0.19, which decreased to 0.14 at T1 and 0.15 at T2. In the control group, the mean VPI decreased from 0.19 at T0 to 0.16 at T1, but increased to 0.22 at T2. A main effect of time and intervention and an interaction between time and intervention were detected (all p < 0.05), indicating that the intervention effect differed between T1 and T2. The test group showed a significantly greater decrease over time than the control group did. Similarly, the mean BOP% decreased more significantly over time in the test group (T0:57%, T1:46%, T2:35%) than in the control group (T0:58%, T1:52%, T2:46%). For Poc and LoA, there were improvements in both study groups at 12 months postpartum, compared with during pregnancy (p < 0.001). Conclusions Providing family-centered, behavioral, and educational counselling to pregnant women at an early stage of pregnancy and with reinforcements can improve their oral hygiene and reduce gingival inflammation. The effect can be sustained over an extended period and is greater than that of distributing oral health leaflets alone. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT02937194. Registered 18 October 2016. Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02937194?cond=Family-centered+oral+health+promotion+for+new+parents+and+their+infants&draw=2&rank=1


2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Ozaki ◽  
Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽  
Wellington Pessotti ◽  
Luciana Saraiva ◽  
...  

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.


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