Reference Number: 420
Year: 2008
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health | Lower Inflammation
Nutrition: Probiotic | Short chain fatty acids | Wheat dextrin
Intolerance & Sensitivity: Non coeliac gluten sensitivity | Wheat sensitivity
Summary
Wheat gliadin induces severe intestinal symptoms and small-bowel mucosal damage in coeliac disease patients. At present, the only effective treatment for the disease is a strict life-long gluten-free diet. In this study we investigated whether probiotics Lactobacillus fermentum or Bifidobacterium lactis can inhibit the toxic effects of gliadin in intestinal cell culture conditions. The ability of live probiotics to inhibit peptic-tryptic digested gliadin-induced damage to human colon cells Caco-2 was evaluated by measuring epithelial permeability by transepithelial resistance, actin cytoskeleton arrangements by the extent of membrane ruffling and expression of tight junctional protein ZO-1. B. lactis inhibited the gliadin-induced increase dose-dependently in epithelial permeability, higher concentrations completely abolishing the gliadin-induced decrease in transepithelial resistance. The same bacterial strain also inhibited the formation of membrane ruffles in Caco-2 cells induced by gliadin administration. Furthermore, it also protected the tight junctions of Caco-2 cells against the effects of gliadin, as evinced by the pattern of ZO-1 expression. We conclude thus that live B. lactis bacteria can counteract directly the harmful effects exerted by coeliac-toxic gliadin and would clearly warrant further studies of its potential as a novel dietary supplement in the treatment of coeliac disease.
Significance of this study for the baker:
Bifidobacterium are among the very first microorganisms to colonise the human gastrointestinal tract and quickly establish themselves as the biggest population of microbes in the intestines of breast-fed infants. This study highlights the importance of nurturing the Bifidobacterium in our gut in order to build our strength in counteracting any negative effects gliadin from the grain may have. Incorporating fermented whole grains, olive oil and foods high in omega fatty acids into your diet are all good ways to feed a healthy gut microbiome. Take a look at our recipes for cultured butter and buttermilk and yogurt, which can help you nurture your gut microbes.