New publication: Gassericins from Lactobacillus Paragasseri K7: Preparative Isolation and Discovery of Dose-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Dr. Ambrožová and Dr. Turková in collaboration with the Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia have published a new publication.

It reports the isolation and purification of gassericins K7 from Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 and reveals their potent antibacterial activity along with previously unreported anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells.

Gassericins K7, heterodimeric bacteriocins from Lactobacillus paragasseri K7, were purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, XAD-16 extraction, and reversed-phase chromatography. Mass spectrometry confirmed all four peptide components, including GasK7A β for the first time in natural isolates. The preparation showed strong antibacterial activity and minimal cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages. It exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects, reducing NO, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated cells without triggering inflammation on its own. These results reveal the anti-inflammatory potential of gassericins K7 and provide a method for producing sufficient quantities for therapeutic development.

Gassericins Fig1
Growth of L. paragasseri K7 in 2 L of modified MRS broth in bioreactor (pH 5.75) and production of gassericins K7 (bacteriocin activity, AU/ml)
Gassericins Fig2
Effect of gassericins K7 on cell viability and immune response. Cell viability (A), production of NO (B), iNOS expression (C), and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (D) and TNF-α (E) in RAW 264.7 cells treated with LPS (50 ng/ml) and different concentrations of gassericins K7 were detected after 24 h treatment. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test for multiple comparisons vs. LPS-treated cells (pro-inflammatory markers). Data from the cell viability assay were analysed using a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test, comparing each treatment group with the control. P value: < 0.1234 (ns), < 0.0332 (*), < 0.0021 (**), < 0.0002 (***), < 0.0001 (****); n = 3
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