Metabolism and physiology of Lactobacilli: a review

Abstract

<jats:p>The consumption of probiotic microorganisms in fermented products has been used for centuries. Lactobacillus spp. is one of the main species studied due to its various beneficial effects on health. This species has a great ability to adapt to hostile environments, produces antimicrobial substances capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and is involved in the digestion of complex carbohydrates not digested by the host. However, there are still some uncertainties and disagreements about the precise biochemical metabolism of lactobacilli. The aim of this article is to review the metabolism and physiological characteristics of lactobacilli for a better understanding of the benefits that these bacteria promote in the host and for the development of strains and probiotic products with higher health benefits.</jats:p>

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on the intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier function and microbiota composition of suckling piglets

“…Lactobacillus colonizes the proximal and distal regions of the porcine digestive tract soon after birth and is one of the core genera in the gastrointestinal tracts of pigs (Mesquita et al, ; Valeriano, Balolong, & Kang, ). Many studies have revealed that Lactobacillus has the potential to regulate host immune systems, enhance gut metabolic capacities and maintain balance in the gut microbiota (Hou, Zeng, Yang, Liu, & Qiao, ; Zhang et al, ).…”

Determination Result of Colonic Lactobacillus in Healthy Adults

“…Feeding habits have important implications for intestinal microbiota. In previous studies, food type influenced gut microbiota, which consisted of more biliary metabolic dominant microflora in people with a meat rich diet 3,21 . In contrast, gut microbiota consisted more polysaccharides bacteria in people with a vegetable rich diet 23 .…”

“…Further research is needed to investigate the variation of normal intestinal microbial environments that depend on aging-related nutritional features, metabolic activity and associated disorders. There are different types of microorganisms per person, but adult's intestinal microbiotas are relatively stable in healthy people 3 . Metabolism, fermentation, methane processing, oxidizing phosphorus reaction and synthesis of lipopolysaccharide are reactions that combine many things 3 .…”

“…There are different types of microorganisms per person, but adult's intestinal microbiotas are relatively stable in healthy people 3 . Metabolism, fermentation, methane processing, oxidizing phosphorus reaction and synthesis of lipopolysaccharide are reactions that combine many things 3 . Intestinal microflora fluctuates in the elderly which can cause decreased microflora coexistence and diversity, also the immune system of older adults may be suppressed.…”

“…Lactobacillus accounts for 6% of the total bacterial intestine and 0.3% of the total body bacteria with 10 4-7 CFU/ml in the intestine and 10 10-11 CFU/ml in the colon 2 . Lactobacillus species produce lactic acids, hydrogen peroxides, bacteriocins, coagregation molecules and bio surfactants, acidolyns, acidophyllins and lactocidins etc 3 . Biosurfactants, lactic acids and bacteriocins pathogens interfere with cells, while hydrogen peroxide suppresses growth and coagulase molecules interfere with the distribution of the organism 4 .…”