Lactic acid bacteria and intestinal function

Fermented milks are sources of bioactive peptides that can modulate intestinal functions. Milk hydrolysates fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophillus were analyzed. Their action on the intestine of mice sensitized to β-Lg and milk was followed by histology of the jejunum. The results showed that the strains had proteolytic performance and antioxidant capacity. The preventive effect showed a slight production of anti-Blg IgG and IgE in animals fed the hydrolysates. The ex-vivo study showed that the response to allergen stimulation was lower. Intestinal histological studies revealed, in some groups, minor damage with weaker inflammatory signs and more or less enlarged villi. We conclude that hydrolysates have a preventive and therapeutic effect, and appear to have a protective effect on intestinal epithelium. The L.paracasei strain is an interesting candidate, with marked therapeutic and preventive effects.