Short-Term Probiotic Administration Increases Fecal-Anti Candida Activity in Healthy Subjects

01 Pubblicazione su rivista
De Angelis Massimiliano, Scagnolari Carolina, Oliva Alessandra, Cavallari Eugenio Nelson, Celani Luigi, Santinelli Letizia, Innocenti Giuseppe Pietro, Borrazzo Cristian, Ceccarelli Giancarlo, Vullo Vincenzo, D'Ettorre Gabriella
ISSN: 2076-2607

Background: Candida albicans' ability to evade host immune responses represents a serious threat for vulnerable patients. Objectives: To investigate if (1) feces from healthy subjects exert anti-Candida activity; (2) fecal anti-Candida activity is modified by probiotic administration and (3) different probiotic differently modulate anti-Candida activity. Patients and methods: Feces from healthy donors were analyzed before and after seven days of dietary supplementation with two different probiotic formulations (VSL#3((R)); Vivomixx((R))). Candida albicans was cultured with decreasing concentrations of diluted feces, obtained before and after the treatment period. The relationship between anti-Candida activity of feces, interferon-alpha, anti-interferon-alpha antibodies and the expression of MxA, ISG15 and IFNAR1 was also evaluated. Results: Feces obtained prior to probiotic intake and feces collected after supplementation with VSL#3((R)) did not affect Candida albicans growth. On the contrary, a 3log(10) inhibition of Candida development was observed after Vivomixx((R)) intake. Interferon-alpha played a role in the inhibition of Candida growth. Conclusion: Fecal anti-Candida activity was not observed prior to probiotic supplementation. Seven days of administration of Vivomixx((R)) increased fecal anti-Candida activity, the same effect was not observed after intake of VSL#3((R)). The probiotic-induced anti-Candida activity seems to be related to an increased local production and release of interferon-alpha. Clinical trials are needed to determine if a short pretreatment with specific probiotic formulations may increase anti-Candida defenses in patients at risk.

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