In Vitro Framework to Assess the Anti-Helicobacter pylori Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Secretions as Alternatives to Antibiotics

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent bacterium that can cause gastric ulcers and cancers. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) ameliorate treatment outcomes against H. pylori, suggesting that they could be a source of bioactive molecules usable as alternatives to current antibiotics for which resistance is mounting. We developed an in vitro framework to compare the anti-H. pylori properties of 25 LAB and their secretions against H. pylori. All studies were done at acidic and neutralized pH, with or without urea to mimic various gastric compartments. Eighteen LAB strains secreted molecules that curtailed the growth of H. pylori and the activity was urea-resistant in five LAB. Several LAB supernatants also reduced the urease activity of H. pylori. Pre-treatment of H. pylori with acidic LAB supernatants abrogated its flagella-mediated motility and decreased its ability to elicit pro-inflammatory IL-8 cytokine from human gastric cells, without reverting the H. pylori-induced repression of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study identified the LAB that have the most anti-H. pylori effects, decreasing its viability, its production of virulence factors, its motility and/or its ability to elicit pro-inflammatory IL-8 from gastric cells. Once identified, these molecules can be used as alternatives or complements to current antibiotics to fight H. pylori infections.

A review for non-antibiotic treatment of Helicobacter pylori: new insight

“…Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most common species found in probiotic products such as yogurt ( Xiong, 2018 ; Ye et al, 2020 ). In the past, the positive effects of dairy products such as yogurt on digestion were proven ( Whiteside et al, 2021 ; Zhao et al, 2022 ). Other species accessible on the market include Bacillus spp., Enterococci , E. coli , Weissella spp., and Saccharomyces .…”

Gastric microbiota dysbiosis and Helicobacter pylori infection

“…Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB3 Taiwan The cell-free supernatant Secreting an unknown bioactive substance to act as an antagonist of AI-2. Do et al, 2021a supernatants reduced H. pylori growth, urease activity, flagellamediated motility, and H. pylori-induced host IL-8 secretion (Whiteside et al, 2021). The probiotics produced bacteriocins, such as Lacticins A164 and BH5, that could antagonize the proliferation of H. pylori (Kim et al, 2003).…”

“…Probiotic-derived metabolites have been extensively studied in H. pylori eradication. Cell-free lactic acid bacterial culture supernatants reduced H. pylori growth, urease activity, flagella-mediated motility, and H. pylori -induced host IL-8 secretion ( Whiteside et al, 2021 ). The probiotics produced bacteriocins, such as Lacticins A164 and BH5, that could antagonize the proliferation of H. pylori ( Kim et al, 2003 ).…”

Microbiota and the Immune System—Actors in the Gastric Cancer Story

“…However, lactic acid bacteria have a number of other mechanisms that can significantly promote carcinogenesis, including through increased production of ROC (reactive oxygen center) or NOC, which affect DNA damage and induce the mutagenesis process. In addition, NOC compounds produced by these microorganisms stimulate the expression of protooncogens and induce angiogenesis and inhibit the process of cell apoptosis [ 92 , 93 , 94 ]. The level of lactate also seems to be important in the pathogenesis of GC.…”