Lactobacillus and Nrf2
Nrf2 may be involved in diseases associated with insulin resistance70-72. “Ancient foods”, and particularly those
containing Lactobacillus , activate Nrf269. The
microbiome is highly related to insulin resistance. In mice, several
strains of Lactobacillus were found to regulate Nrf2 in models of
ageing 101, in cardioprotective effects102, and in non-alcoholic fatty acid liver disease103. Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC11 - isolated
from Sichuan pickled cabbages - antagonizes oxidation and ageing in mice104. Lactobacillus protects against ulcerative colitis
by modulation of the gut microbiota and Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway105. The sugary kefir strain, Lactobacillus
mali APS1, ameliorates hepatic steatosis by regulation of Nrf2 and the
gut microbiota in rats 106. In vitro studies
have also found an effect of Lactobacilli mediated by Nrf2107-109. Interestingly, the symbiotic combination of
prebiotic grape pomace extract and probiotic Lactobacillus sp.
reduces intestinal inflammatory markers.110