Synergistic antidigestion effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus rhamnosus</Emphasis> and bovine colostrums in simulated gastrointestinal tract (in vitro)

Probiotics and bovine colostrums had been proven to be beneficial for human health. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZDY114 and anti-Helicobacter pylori bovine colostrums were used for the preparation of microecological additives, and their synergistic antidigestion effect in the simulated gastrointestinal tract (in vitro) was investigated. Either L. rhamnosus or purified IgG from immune colostrums was very sensitive in simulated gastric environment and slightly sensitive in simulated intestinal tract. No viable counts were recovered from the solution of dissolved freeze-dried powder (7.14 log(10) CFU/ml) of L. rhamnosus when digested at pH 3.0 with pepsin for 30 min. Activity of purified IgGs from immune colostrums could not be detected when digested at pH 3.0 with pepsin for 30 min; 29% titer could be detected when digested at pH 8.0 with trypsin for 5 h. The IgGs in nonpurified immune colostrums presented stronger resistance against gastrointestinal digestion than purified IgGs. Moreover, the combination of L. rhamnosus ZDY114 and immune colostrums strengthened their antidigestion ability. Even under pH 3.0, 4.0 with pepsin, the titer of anti-HP IgG maintained above 123 and 83.3%, respectively. Similarly, that titer was above 93.3% when digested at pH 8.0 with trypsin for 4.5 h. In conclusion, L. rhamnosus and anti-Helicobacter pylori bovine colostrums had synergistic antidigestion effect in simulated gastrointestinal tract (in vitro).     

Synergistic effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus rhamnosus</Emphasis> ZDY114 and bovine colostrums on the immunological function of mouse in vivo and in vitro

The synergistic effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and bovine colostrums on the immunity of mice in vivo and in vitro were investigated. Eight- to ten-week-old mice were used for two series experiments; one part of mice were immunocompromised by intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide. In series I, immunocompromised mice were continuously fed with diet A (L. rhamnosus ZDY114 5 × 10⁷ CFU/kg), B (bovine colostrums 0.5 g/kg), C (combination of diet A and B), and D (sterile saline) for 4 weeks and killed. Thereof, phagocytosis ratio and index of macrophage to chicken red blood cells in abdominal cavity and lymphocyte transformation rate were determined. In series II, both normal and immunocompromised mice were used to investigate the in vitro stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation by substances from the overnight culture of L. rhamnosus ZDY114 by the MTT colorimetric method. Compared with diet D, in the diet A, B, and C groups, the phagocytosis ratio of macrophages increased by 1.63, 1.54, and 2.3-fold, respectively, and the lymphocyte transformation ratio by 1.78, 2.08, and 2.35-fold, respectively. In vitro test with MTT showed that 3, 10, 50 kD substances from the overnight culture of L. rhamnosus ZDY114 significantly increased the growth of lymphocyte by 1.63, 1.53, and 1.34-fold, respectively. In conclusion, L. rhamnosus and bovine colostrums can enhance the functions of immune system supported by lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages either in vivo or in vitro.     

Anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> effect of mucoadhesive nanoparticles bearing amoxicillin in experimental gerbils model

The purpose of the present study was to design mucoadhesive gliadin nanoparticles (GNP) containing amoxicillin and to evaluate their effectiveness in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. GNP-bearing amoxicillin (AGNP) was prepared by desolvation method. The effect of process variables such as gliadin concentration and initial drug loading on particle size, shape, percent payload, percent entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and mucoadhesive property of GNP was assessed. Rhodamine isothiocyanate-entrapped GNP formulations were prepared to evaluate their in vivo gastric mucoadhesive property in albino rats. With increasing gliadin concentration, the mucoadhesive property of GNP increased. Typically, the maximum amount of nanoparticles remaining was 82±4%, which represented a stronger mucoadhesive propensity and specificity of GNP toward the stomach. In vitro antimicrobial activity of AGNP was evaluated by growth inhibition studies on an isolated H pylori strain. The time required for complete eradication was higher in AGNP than in amoxicillin because of the controlled drug delivery of amoxicillin from AGNP. In vivo clearance of H pylori following oral administration of AGNP to infected Mongolian gerbils was examined. Amoxicillin and AGNP both showed anti-H pylori effects in this experimental model of infection, but the required dose for complete eradication was less in AGNP than in amoxicillin. In conclusion, AGNP eradicated H pylori from the gastrointestinal tract more effectively than amoxicillin because of the prolonged gastrointestinal residence time attributed to mucoadhesion. A dosage form containing mucoadhesive nanoparticles bearing a potential antibiotic should be useful for the complete eradication of H pylori.     

益生菌促进胃肠道健康的机制及应用

人体胃肠道内生活着大量微生物,它们影响着宿主的健康.益生菌是一种活的微生物,对维持肠黏膜屏障功能、调节免疫功能和促进营养物质的代谢吸收等具有重要作用;对肠道菌群紊乱、功能性消化不良、肠胃炎、腹泻、便秘、肠绞痛、肠易激综合征、炎症性肠病以及幽门螺杆菌感染等胃肠道疾病具有良好的应用.本文对益生菌与胃肠道健康的影响作简要概述...     

Anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> substances from endophytic fungal cultures

The human pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori has been ascertained to be an aetiological agent for chronic active gastritis and a significant determinant in peptic and duodenal ulcer diseases. Endophytic metabolites are being recognized as a versatile arsenal of antimicrobial agents, since some endophytes have been shown to possess superior biosynthetic capabilities owing to their presumable gene recombination with the host, while residing and reproducing inside the healthy plant tissues. A total of 32 endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal herb Cynodon dactylon(Poaceae) were grown in in vitroculture, and the ethyl acetate extracts of the cultures were examined in vitro for the anti-H. pylori activity. As a result, a total of 16 endophyte culture extracts were identified as having potent anti-H. pyloriactivities. Subsequently, a detailed bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract of the most active endophyte (strain number: CY725) identified as Aspergillussp., was performed to afford eventually four anti-H. pylori secondary metabolites. The four isolated compounds were identified through a combination of spectral and chemical methods (IR, MS, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR) to be helvolic acid, monomethylsulochrin, ergosterol and 3β-hydroxy-5α,8α-epidioxy- ergosta-6,22-diene with corresponding MICs of 8.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 μg/ml, respectively. The MIC of ampicillin co-assayed as a reference drug against H. pylori was 2.0 μg/ml. Furthermore, preliminary examination of the antimicrobial spectrum of helvolic acid, the most active anti-H. pylori metabolite characterized from the endophyte culture, showed that it was inhibitory to the growth of Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus aureusand Candida albicans with MICs of 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 μg/ml, respectively.     

Gastric antibacterial efficiency is different for pepsin A and C

The gastric lumen represents a bactericidal barrier, whose major components are an acidic pH and a family of isoenzymes of the gastric aspartate protease, pepsin. To evaluate whether specific pepsins are specialized in antibacterial protection, we tested their effects on the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. In a recent study we found pepsin to affect the motility of the bacteria, one of its most important virulence factors. We were able to show that the antibacterial effect of pepsin occurs in two phases: rapid loss of motility and subsequent destruction. In the present study we used the rapid pepsin-induced bacterial immobilization as a marker of antibacterial efficiency. The proteolytic activity of different pepsins was normalized to values between 2 and 200 U/ml in the hemoglobin degradation test of Anson, performed at pH 2 and 5. We found that pepsin C completely inactivates H. pylori at proteolytic activities of 2 (pH 5) and 20 (pH 2) U/ml. In contrast, the activities of pepsin A and chymosin required to affect Helicobacter motility were ten times higher.     

The effect of simulated gastric environments on the anti-Helicobacter activity of garlic oil

Aims: To investigate the effects of simulated gastric conditions upon the anti-Helicobacter pylori effects of garlic oil (GO). Methods and Results: Time course viability experiments assessed the anti-H. pylori activity of GO (16 and 32 μg ml⁻¹) in simulated gastric environments. Rapid anti-H. pylori action of GO was observed in artificial gastric juice. Mucus (1–5%) was strongly protective of H. pylori both alone and in the presence of GO, but its protective effect was antagonized by GO. Peptone (5–15 g l⁻¹) caused a dose-dependent reduction in the anti-H. pylori activity of GO. Rapeseed oil (5·7–17 g l⁻¹) greatly diminished the anti-H. pylori activity of GO. Dextrin (44 and 133 g l⁻¹) exhibited direct anti-H. pylori effects and added to those of GO. Simulated meal mixtures decreased but did not eliminate the anti-H. pylori activity of 32 μg ml⁻¹ GO. Conclusions: The anti-H. pylori activity of GO was noticeably affected by food materials and mucin. However, substantial activity remained under simulated gastric conditions. Further investigation of the therapeutic potential of GO against H. pylori is therefore warranted. Significance and Impact of the Study: Garlic oil may be useful as an alternative treatment against H. pylori, a major cause of gastrointestinal infections in humans.     

Purification of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> NCTC 11637

Summary. Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase was purified by several column chromatographies from Helicobacter pylori NCTC 11637, and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was analyzed. The enzyme gene was sequenced based on a putative branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase gene, ilvE of H. pylori 26695, and the whole amino acid sequence was deduced from the nucleotide sequence. The enzyme existed in a homodimer with a calculated subunit molecular weight (MW) of 37,539 and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.47. The enzyme showed high affinity to 2-oxoglutarate (K _m = 0.085 mM) and L-isoleucine (K _m = 0.34 mM), and V _max was 27.3 μmol/min/mg. The best substrate was found to be L-isoleucine followed by L-leucine and L-valine. No activity was shown toward the D-enantiomers of these amino acids. The optimal pH and temperature were pH 8.0 and 37 °C, respectively.     

Metal-responsive gene regulation and metal transport in Helicobacter species

Helicobacter species are among the most successful colonizers of the mammalian gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract. Colonization is usually lifelong, indicating that Helicobacter species have evolved intricate mechanisms of dealing with stresses encountered during colonization of host tissues, like restriction of essential metal ions. The recent availability of genome sequences of the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori, the murine enterohepatic pathogen Helicobacter hepaticus and the unannotated genome sequence of the ferret gastric pathogen Helicobacter mustelae has allowed for comparitive genome analyses. In this review we present such analyses for metal transporters, metal-storage and metal-responsive regulators in these three Helicobacter species, and discuss possible contributions of the differences in metal metabolism in adaptation to the gastric or enterohepatic niches occupied by Helicobacter species.     

Structures and contribution to the antigenicity of oligosaccharides of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergenCry j I: relationship between the structures and antigenic epitopes of plantN-linked complex-type glycans

The oligosaccharide structures ofCry j I, a major allergenic glycoprotein ofCryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar, sugi), were analysed by 400 MHz¹H-NMR and two-dimensional sugar mapping analyses. The four major fractions comprised a series of biantennary complex type N-linked oligosaccharides that share a fucose/xylose-containing core and glucosamine branches including a novel structure with a nongalactosylated fucosylglucosamine branch.Rabbit polyclonal anti-Cry j I IgG antibodies cross-reacted with three different plant glycoproteins having the same or shorter N-linked oligosaccharides asCry j I. ELISA and ELISA inhibition studies with intact glycoproteins, glycopeptides and peptides indicated that both anti-Cry j I IgGs and anti-Sophora japonica bark lectin II (B-SJA-II) IgGs included oligosaccharide-specific antibodies with different specificities, and that the epitopic structures against anti-Cry j I IgGs include a branch containing 1–6 linked fucose and a core containing fucose/xylose, while those against anti-B-SJA-II IgGs include nonreducing terminal mannose residues. The cross-reactivities of human allergic sera to miraculin andClerodendron Trichotomum lectin (CTA) were low, and inhibition studies suggested that the oligosaccharides onCry j I contribute little or only conformationally to the reactivity of specific IgE antibodies.Abbreviations Cry j I a major allergenic glycoprotein ofCryptomeria japonica - B-SJA-II Sophora japonica bark lectin II - CTA Clerodendron trichotomum lectin - TFMS trifluoromethanesulfonic acid - HRP horseradish peroxidase     

Cloning and Characterization of a 22 kDa Outer-Membrane Protein (Omp22) from Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of gastritis and peptic ulceration in humans. As the first step towards development of a vaccine against H. pylori infection, we have attempted to identify protective antigens. A potential target of vaccine development would be a H. pylori specific protein, which is surface-exposed and highly antigenic. We identified a 22 kDa outer-membrane protein (Omp22) from H. pylori, which was highly immunoreactive. By screening a H. pylori genomic DNA library with rabbit anti-H. pylori outer-membrane protein antibodies, the omp22 gene was cloned and 1.4 kb of the nucleotide sequence was determined. One open reading frame, encoding a 179-residue polypeptide, was identified and the amino acid sequence deduced showed homology with peptidoglycan-associated lipoproteins. The sequence was conserved among other H. pylori strains. Omp22 protein is expressed as a precursor polypeptide of 179 residues and undergoes lipid modification and cleavage of an 18 amino acid signal peptide to yield a mature protein. Omp22 protein in H. pylori as well as recombinant Omp22 protein expressed in E. coli was localized into the outer membrane and exposed on the cell surface. Omp22 may have the potential as a target antigen for the development of a H. pylori vaccine.     

Surface expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> urease subunit B gene E fragment on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactococcus lactis</Emphasis> by means of the cell wall anchor of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> protein A

Fragment E of ureB (ureBE) was cloned from a clinical isolate of Helicobacter pylori. A prokaryotic expression vector, pAMJ399, with the ureB fragment E and the Staphylococcus aureus protein A anchor fragment (spaX), was constructed. The fusion protein was expressed under the control of the P170 promoter in Lactococcus lactis. Western blot assay of lactococcal cell wall extracts with a polyclonal chicken antiserum confirmed the immunity of the expressed recombinant protein which was located on the cell surface. These results provide the first report of a surface display system in lactic acid bacteria for the delivery of oral vaccines against Helicobacter pylori.     

A simple method to determine urea concentration using intact Helicobacter pylori and BromoCresol Purple as a pH indicator

A modified method for urea quantification, by measuring the ammonia formed by urease, used the urease-positive Helicobacter pylori in place of purified urease with a pH indicator dye, BromoCresol Purple, to provide a color change. The color formed was stable for 20-min and could be read at 588-nm for urea quantification. Using this method, urea standard curves were linear up to 8.3-mM. As there was no need for centrifugation or precipitation, the assay was developed for use with 96-well microplates.     

Purification and characterization of fibrinolytic alkaline protease from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> sp. BLB

Fusarium sp. BLB, which produces a strongly fibrinolytic enzyme, was isolated from plant leaf (Hibiscus). Fibrinolytic alkaline protease was purified from a culture filtrate of Fusarium sp. BLB by precipitation with (NH₄)₂SO₄ and column chromatography with CM-Toyopearl 650M and Superdex 75. The purified enzyme was homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The molecular weight was 27,000 by SDS-PAGE. Maximum activity of protease was observed at pH 9.5 and 50°C. Purified protease was active between pH 2.5 and 11.5 and was found to be stable up to 50°C. The enzyme derived from Fusarium sp. BLB is useful for thrombolytic therapy because this enzyme showed pH resistance. The activity was inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme showed a similarity to those of proteases from Fusarium sp., Streptomyces griseus, Bos taurus bovine, Katsuwo pelamis digestive tract, and Lumbricus rubellus.     

Fasting gastric pH of Japanese subjects stratified by IgG concentration against Helicobacter pylori and pepsinogen status

Background: The clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori antibody titer has been controversial, and the association between the extent of gastric atrophy or acid secretion and H. pylori antibody concentration has not been elucidated. Materials and Methods: Serum pepsinogen, H. pylori antibody concentration, and fasting gastric pH (as an indicator of acid secretion) were measured in 231 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. “Atrophic” pepsinogen was defined as pepsinogen‐I < 70 ng/mL and pepsinogen‐I/II ratio <3. Other levels of pepsinogen were defined as “normal”. Fasting gastric pH was analyzed in subjects stratified by pepsinogen level and by H. pylori antibody concentration. Results: Helicobacter pylori antibody concentration showed no significant relationship with fasting gastric pH when all subjects were analyzed together. In H. pylori‐seronegative subjects, fasting gastric pH was within the normal range, irrespective of the extent of mucosal atrophy. In H. pylori‐seropositive subjects, H. pylori antibody concentration was positively correlated with fasting gastric pH in subjects with “normal” pepsinogen, but inversely correlated in those with “atrophic” pepsinogen. Particularly in subjects with low H. pylori antibody concentration and atrophic mucosa, a group reportedly at high risk of noncardia cancer, the most impaired acid secretion was shown among subjects with atrophic mucosa. Conclusions: The relationship between acid secretion and H. pylori antibody concentration differs depending on the presence of mucosal atrophy. Our findings provide a possible rationalization for measuring both serum pepsinogen levels and H. pylori antibody concentration in gastric cancer screening.     

Effects of dexamethasone and FK506 on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis and bacterial viability in Mongolian gerbils

FK506 and dexamethasone were used to investigate whether or not immunosuppression affects H. pylori colonization and gastric mucosal damage induced by Helicobacter pylori in Mongolian gerbils. Two weeks after H. pylori infection, FK506 and dexamethasone or vehicle alone were subcutaneously administered once daily for the following 2 weeks. FK506 or vehicle alone was administered subcutaneously once daily for 5 weeks (1 week before and 4 weeks after infection). In H. pylori-infected animals for 4 weeks, hemorrhagic erosions and inflammatory responses (neutrophil infiltration and lymphoid follicle formation) were induced in gastric mucosa at an incidence of 100%. Both FK506 and dexamethasone administered for 2 weeks markedly reduced such mucosal changes. In these animals, H. pylori viability in the stomach was significantly elevated. FK506 administered for 5 weeks also significantly inhibited the hemorrhagic erosions, edema and neutrophil infiltration in the stomach. H. pylori viability was slightly elevated as compared with the control. It was concluded that the host immune responses might play dual roles both by deteriorating gastritis induced by H. pylori and by protecting against H. pylori infection in its early stage.     

Aldobiouronic acid domains in Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori cell-surface glycans exert strong influences in host–microbe interplays and define the strain’s immunological signature. Envisaging the development of a carbohydrate-based vaccine against the gastroduodenal pathogen H. pylori, several clinical isolates are being screened for their cell-surface glycan profile. The present work concerns H. pylori clinical specimen PTAV79 that abundantly expressed amylose-like glycans. These polysaccharides were isolated in glycan-rich fractions resultant from phenol–water extractions and purified by Bio-Gel P2. Structural studies showed that the glycans are linked to glycerol and present aldobiouronic acid domains composed of [→3)-α-d-GlcA-(1→4)-α-d-Glc-(1→] repeating units. The amylose domains were constituted by an average of 19 Glc residues and the acidic moieties had an average number of 10 aldobiouronic acid repeating units. These polysaccharides were isolated in fractions that, although hydrophilic, were rich in stearic acid, strongly suggesting that they are present as glycerolipids anchored to cell-surface.     

Biological control of sheep parasite nematodes by nematode-trapping fungi: <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> activity and after passage through the gastrointestinal tract

Summary The main method used for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep production is the application of chemotherapeutic agents, which often lead to the selection of parasites resistant to given active principles. Biological control can be considered a promising alternative, contributing to an increase in the efficacy of verminous control. We determined the in vitro activity and in situ survival of the predatory fungi Arthrobotrys musiformis and Arthrobotrys conoides during passage through the gastrointestinal tract of sheep after oral administration of conidia in microencapsulated form and as a liquid in natura. Initial in vitro tests showed that both fungi were efficient in the predation of trichostrongylid L3 larvae present in the faeces of sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The fungi presented high nematophagous activity, which was 99.3% for A. conoides and 73.7% for A. musiformis. A. conoides did not survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract under the conditions of the present experiment. On the other hand, A. musiformis was reisolated after administration in either microencapsulated or liquid form, suggesting that this species is a promising alternative for the control of nematodes in sheep since it survives without any protection (in natura).     

Role of futC slipped strand mispairing in Helicobacter pylori Lewis phase variation

The O antigen of the Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide is composed of repeating units of fucosylated Lewis (Le) antigens. The α(1,2)-fucosyltransferase (futC) of H. pylori, which catalyzes the conversion of Le^x to Le^y by addition of fucose, is subject to slipped-strand mispairing involving a homonucleotide (poly-C) tract. To explore the distribution of Le phenotypes within H. pylori cells grown in vitro, 379 single colonies of strain J166 were examined for Le expression. Two major populations with reciprocal Le^x/Le^y phenotypes were identified. Phenotypes correlated with futC frame status, suggesting that strain J166 represents a mixed population with respect to futC poly-C tract length, which was confirmed by a translational reporter. After hundreds of generations in vitro, phenotypes did not change significantly, indicating that the observed J166 Le diversity reflects the founding population. Since slipped-strand mispairing in the futC poly-C tract was postulated to explain the Le^y phenotypic change observed in J166 derivative strain 98–169 isolated 10 months after rhesus monkey challenge, in trans complementation with in-frame futC was performed. Le^y synthesis was restored and Le^x expression was reciprocally lowered. From these studies, we confirmed the principal role of futC slipped-strand mispairing in Le antigenic variation in vitro and in vivo.     

Antibacterial activity associated with Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 9857from the human female genitourinary tract

The 10-fold concentrated spent MRS culture cell-free supernatant concentrate [(cCFS)] of the human female genitourinary tract isolate Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 9857 was shown to exhibit antibacterial activity towards gram-positive sporogenous and asporogenous fermentative eubacteria in liquid and on solid media under conditions that eliminated the activity of lactic acid (-glycerophosphate) and hydrogen peroxide (catalase). The antibacterial activity of the cCFS was characterized by automated turbidometry (Bioscreen) and non-linear regression analysis (Gompertz model) using MRS broth cultures of the indicator strain L. acidophilus ATCC 11975. It exhibited a bactericidal mode of action, sensitivity to trypsin and proteinase K, partial sensitivity to pepsin and pronase E, partial heat stability at 121 °C for 15 min, and retained significantly more activity following exposure to pH 3.0 and 5.0 compared with pH 7.2 and 9.0. The inhibitory spectrum included a wide range of Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. infantis and B. catenulatum, Lactococcus cremoris, Leuconostoc cremoris, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, C. pasteurianum, C. sporogenes, Staphylococcus carnosus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Although partial inhibition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 by cCFS was observed in liquid medium, inhibition of freshly isolated human uropathogenic E. coli strains could not be demonstrated on TSB agar plates by agar well diffusion. Following partial resolution by gel permeation FPLC on Superose-12, the fractionated cCFS was shown to comprise at least two inhibitory peptides (3.05 and 5.27 kDa) as well as aggregated inhibitory peptide material (21.65, 41.50, 81.20, and 120.90 kDa). The 3.05 kDa peptide, designated Gassericin D, inhibited L. acidophilus strains ATCC 11975 and ACA-DC 241. The 5.27 kDa peptide, designated Gassericin C, inhibited L. gasseri strain UCSC LF221Snb and En. faecalis DPC 3319. The aggregated 21.65 kDa peptide material strongly inhibited L. acidophilus ATCC 11975 and weakly inhibited Listeria inocua DPC 3306. The aggregated 41.50 kDa peptide material strongly inhibited Ba. cereus DPC 3316 and weakly inhibited L. acidophilus ACA-DC 241. The ability of L. gasseri ATCC 9857 to produce bacteriocin-like activity may be of importance in the biopreservation of nutraceuticals and in the management of female genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract infections involving En. faecalis.