South Korean study finds that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HDB1258 boosts immunity and improves gut health

Medical News: Probiotics and Immunity Boost: How a Strain of Bacteria Might Improve Your Gut and Health
Probiotics, often known as "good bacteria," have long been studied for their health benefits, especially regarding digestive health. These microorganisms are believed to balance the gut microbiota, the collection of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in the digestive tract. But recent studies suggest that probiotics may play a more significant role, impacting not just digestion but the immune system as well.


South Korean study finds that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HDB1258 boosts immunity and improves gut health

In a recent groundbreaking study, researchers from Hyundai Bioland Co., Ltd., and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in South Korea explored the immune-boosting effects of the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HDB1258. This Medical News report will dive deep into their findings and explain how consuming this probiotic might benefit your immune health, even for those without a medical background.
 
The Link Between Gut Health and Immunity
Our gut microbiota has a complex relationship with our immune system. The microbiota not only helps digest food but also protects the body from harmful pathogens by producing substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and maintaining a healthy gut lining. When this balance is disturbed - a condition known as dysbiosis - it can lead to health problems, including immune dysfunction. Probiotics, like Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, are thought to restore balance, leading to improved immune function.
 
The study specifically looked at whether L. rhamnosus HDB1258 could improve immune health by enhancing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells - immune cells that act as the body’s first line of defense against infections and even cancer.
 
The Study: Exploring the Effects of HDB1258
A team of researchers led by Dr. Jin-Joo Lee and her colleagues from Hyundai Bioland and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 71 healthy adults aged 19 to 75. The participants were split into two groups, one receiving a daily capsule containing HDB1258 and the other receiving a placebo over the course of eight weeks. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after the trial to assess changes in NK cell activity and gut microbiota composition.
 
NK cells, a type of immune cell, are critical in fighting off viral infections and tumors. Their activity can be measured by analyzing how effectively they kill target cells. The study aimed to determine whether consuming the probiotic strain would increase the activity of these cells and whether this increase would correlate with changes in the gut microbiota.
 
Key Findings: More Than Just Gut Health
The results were promising. The group that took the HDB1258 probiotic experienced significant increases in NK cell activity compared to the placebo group. Specifically, NK cell activity i ncreased by 5.03% in the 12.5:1 effector-to-target cell ratio and 6.60% in the 25:1 ratio after the eight-week supplementation period. In contrast, the placebo group showed no significant changes.
 
In addition to boosting NK cell activity, the HDB1258 group exhibited positive changes in their gut microbiota. Notably, there was an increase in beneficial bacteria, such as Lactococcus and Sutterella, both of which are believed to contribute to a healthy gut environment and potentially influence immune function. Interestingly, the researchers also found a correlation between certain gut bacteria and NK cell activity. For instance, the increase in bacteria like Adlercreutzia and Prevotella 9 was positively associated with higher NK cell activity, while the presence of Escherichia - Shigella, an opportunistic pathogen, showed a negative correlation.
 
These findings suggest that the benefits of HDB1258 are twofold: it enhances immune function by increasing NK cell activity and promotes a healthier gut microbiota composition.
 
How HDB1258 Works: Unveiling the Mechanisms
But how exactly does HDB1258 work? Previous studies with mice showed that this strain could activate immune cells such as macrophages and NK cells through specific signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response, leading to the production of cytokines and other immune-stimulating factors. These findings suggest that HDB1258 may work similarly in humans by enhancing innate immunity through the activation of NK cells and macrophages.
 
Additionally, the study found that HDB1258 may reduce harmful bacteria like Escherichia - Shigella, which is known to cause infections and gut inflammation. This aligns with the idea that probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut by crowding out potentially harmful microbes.
 
Broader Implications: More Than Just a Probiotic Supplement
The implications of this study extend beyond the probiotic itself. It highlights the potential for specific probiotic strains like HDB1258 to enhance immune function, which is especially relevant in today's world, where the ability to fight off infections is of paramount importance. Furthermore, by promoting a balanced gut microbiota, these probiotics could also contribute to overall health and well-being.
 
While the study was conducted on healthy adults, the findings raise intriguing possibilities for future research on the role of probiotics in populations with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or individuals with chronic illnesses.
 
Conclusion: A Potential Game-Changer for Immune Health
The study of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HDB1258 provides compelling evidence that probiotics can do more than just improve digestion - they may also play a crucial role in boosting the immune system. By increasing NK cell activity and fostering a healthier gut microbiota, HDB1258 shows promise as a functional ingredient for immune support.
 
However, it’s important to note that this study focused on short-term effects in a healthy population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits and effectiveness of HDB1258 in different populations, including those with compromised immune systems.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Microorganisms.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/10/2109
 
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/probiotics-for-gut-and-fatigue-relief:-a-study-on-lacticaseibacillus-rhamnosus-strains
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/health-news-scientists-identify-two-probiotics-bifidobacterium-lactis-and-lactobacillus-rhamnosus-that-can-treat-hypertension
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-probiotics-such-as-limosilactobacillus-fermentum-and-lacticaseibacillus-rhamnosus-can-help-against-sars-cov-2
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-clinical-trial-shows-that-probiotics-like-lactobacillus-rhamnosus-gg-can-reduce-covid-19-symptoms-when-taken-as-a-post-exposure-prophylaxis