Characterization of Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C, a probiotic strain with a potent anti-Helicobacter pylori activity

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism considered the main risk factor in the development of gastric cancer. In this paper we inform a detailed characterization of the probiotic properties and the anti - H. pylori activity of a previously isolated lactobacillus strain - Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C - obtained from human gut. Results: The strain tolerated pH 3.0, grew in the presence of 2% bile salts, produced lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, aggregated in saline solution, showed high hydrophobicity, was highly adherent to glass and to Caco-2 and Gastric adenocarcinoma human cells (AGS) cells, showed an efficient colonization in Mongolian Gerbils, and it potently inhibited growth and urease activity of H. pylori strains. L. fermentum UCO-979C significantly inhibited H. pylori -induced IL-8 production in AGS cells and reduced viability of H. pylori . Regarding its innocuousness, UCO-979C was susceptible to several antibiotics. The strain did not produce histamine or beta hemolysis in blood agar containing red blood cells from various origins. Conclusion: The results presented demonstrate that L. fermentum UCO-979C is a very good candidate as a probiotic able to protect humans against H. pylori infections. Normal 0 21 false false false ES-CL JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:ES-CL;}