Microbiota modulation in Alzheimer’s disease, a promising approach

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, Ormendes SA is pleased to communicate on the latest advances of the scientific research on its SLAB51 probiotic formulation.

The aging process, infections, incorrect eating habits and inadequate lifestyles can alter the composition and functionality of the human intestinal microbiota, favouring the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although not having reached a global consensus on the etiology of this multifactorial disease in which proteinopathies, oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic disorders coexist, the link between alterations in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) and Alzheimer’s disease have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies.

Since intestinal dysbiosis is closely related to changes in intestinal permeability, dysfunctions of the blood-brain barrier and consequent neuroinflammatory processes contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, the intestinal microbiota represents a concrete therapeutic target.

The rational modulation of the composition of the intestinal microbiota through dietary interventions and the intake of probiotic formulations are promising preventive and therapeutic approaches, capable of increasing the production of secondary anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids.

In this scenario, studies have shown that the SLAB51 probiotic formulation, consisting of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, is able to modify the composition of the gut microbiota in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, increasing the concentration of anti-inflammatory bacteria such as bifidobacteria and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Campylobacter. These variations in the composition of the microflora, together with an increased production of short-chain fatty acids, increased plasma levels of neuroprotective hormones and partial recovery of proteolysis, partially explain the reduction in cognitive decline, brain damage and protein aggregates (amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles) in patients.

Furthermore, the improvement of the oxidative and inflammatory picture in the brain and of the energy homeostasis (glucose and lipid) observed in Alzheimer’s mice following chronic supplementation with SLAB51 help to explain the multiple mechanisms of action of probiotics and their effects on the gut-brain axis.

In detail, chronic supplementation with SLAB51 is able to restore brain glucose uptake, reduce insulin resistance, improve plasma lipid profile, inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and synthesis of bile acids.

This evidence helps to explain the mechanisms through which the strategic modulation of the intestinal microbiota with the right combination of bacterial strains can effectively counteract the signs of Alzheimer’s and associated metabolic alterations, without side effects.

Links to recent SLAB51 clinical trials, more available here

Agimixx^®

Agimixx^® is a food supplement containing the probiotic blend SLAB51 at a concentration of 100 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) per sachet. The product is not intended to treat, prevent or cure any disease. More information at www.agimixx.net

Ormendes SA

Ormendes SA is a Swiss biotechnology company specializing in the development and distribution of high quality, highly concentrated probiotics, which believes in the potential of oral bacteriotherapy for human health. More information at www.ormendes.ch

Contact

Florence Pryen, Managing Director
+41 (0)79 640 75 20
f.pryen@ormendes.ch

Recent bibliography

Bonfili L, Cuccioloni M, Gong C, Cecarini V, Spina M, Zheng Y, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM Gut microbiota modulation in Alzheimer’s disease: Focus on lipid metabolism Clinical Nutrition 41(2022) 698-708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2022.01.025

Bonfili L, Gong C, Lombardi F, Cifone MG, Eleuteri AM Strategic Modification of Gut Microbiota through Oral Bacteriotherapy Influences Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1: Therapeutic Implication in Alzheimer’s Disease Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 357. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010357

Bonfili L, Cecarini V, Goggoi O, Berardi S, Scarpona S, Angeletti M, Rossi G, Eleuteri AM. Gut microbiota manipulation through probiotics oral administration restores glucose homeostasis in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2020 Mar;87:35-43. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.11.004

Bonfili L, Cecarini V, Cuccioloni M, Angeletti M, Berardi S, Scarpona S, Rossi G, Eleuteri AM. SLAB51 probiotic formulation activates SIRT1 pathway promoting antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in an AD mouse model. Mol Neurobiol. 2018 Oct;55(10):7987-8000. doi: 10.1007/s12035-018-0973-4