Two antioxidative lactobacilli strains as promising probiotics

• DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(01)00674-2
• Publication Date: 2002-07-25T14:34:32Z
• Authors: Tiiu Kullisaar; Mihkel Zilmer; Marika Mikelsaar; Tiiu Vihalemm; Heidi Annuk; Ceslava Kairane; Ann Kilk
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; Hydroxyl Radical; Superoxide Dismutase; Probiotics; Infant; Hydrogen Peroxide; Glutathione; 3. Good health; Lactobacillus; Oxidative Stress; 03 medical and health sciences; Superoxides; Food Microbiology; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Child; Reactive Oxygen Species; Digestive System; Oxidation-Reduction

Two antioxidative strains tentatively identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, E-3 and E-18, were isolated from intestinal microflora of a healthy child. Survival time of these strains in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), like hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, was significantly increased compared with a non-antioxidative strain, and also was quite similar to a highly ROS resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium. E-3 and E-8 contain a remarkable level of glutathione, express Mn-SOD, which is important for the prevention of lipid peroxidation, and secrete hydrogen peroxide. Their significant antimicrobial activity combined with antioxidative properties may serve as defensive principles in the intestinal microbial ecosystem and overcome exo- and endogenous oxidative stress.