FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES of Lactobacillus spp. PROBIOTICS STRAINS

Our group has isolated local strains of Weissela confusa and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which showed probiotics properties, was safe as probiotics and elicited certain functional effects. Effect of probiotics on gut mucosal integrity is also important to be investigated. Our previous study using single strain found that the promising result of this strain on the mucocal integrity in vitro. However, the effects of combination of strains on mucosal integrity have not been investigated yet; therefore, the validation of this combination on mucosal integity urges to be further investigated. In addition, other potential beneficial effect of  probiotics strain is as anti cancer; therefore, further elaboration of our probiotics strains as an anti-proliferative agent is needed to be performed. This study will be conducted in 2 years in collaboration with Okayama University. First year study is aimed to investigate the effects of combination of W. confusa F213 and L. rhamnosus FBB81 on mucosal integrity in vitro. While, the aim of the study on 2^nd year is to investigate effect of postbiotic metabolites (PM) of Lactobacillus spp. strains on cells in vitro. To achieve the objectives for 1^st year study, the Caco-2  cells monolayer will be used as a model in vitro. Effect of the combination strains on mucosal integrity will be determined through measurement of Transepithelial Electric Resistance (TEER), expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 using immunofluoresence, and flux of FITC dextran isotyocyanate. The 2^nd year study will use colorectal cancer and HeLa cells, which will be exposed with PM of Lactobacillus spp. The effect will be measured by MTT assay, Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) cell proliferation assay, and trypan blue exclusion methods. Results of these studies will be published in internationally reputable journal, and equal to level 3 of technology readiness level.