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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
High-throughput Assay to Phenotype Salmonella enterica Typhimurium Association, Invasion, and Replication in Macrophages
Published on: August 11, 2014
Synergic activity of selenium and probiotic bacterium Enterococcus faecium M-74 against selected mutagens in
A Belicová1, L Krizková, J Dobias
1Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Comenius University, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia. belicova@m2.fedu.uniba.sk
Abstract:
Concentrated extracts of MRS (De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe) media in which probiotic bacterium Enterococcus faecium strain M-74 was grown exerted different antimutagenic activity against ofloxacin-, N-methyl, N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine- and sodium 5-nitro-2-furylacrylate-induced mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium assay depending on the presence (+Se) or absence of disodium selenite pentahydrate (-Se). The antimutagenicity of MRS(+Se) extract was higher than that of MRS(-Se) extract. Selenium enhanced also the antimutagenic effect of both live and killed cells of E. faecium M-74, respectively. The live bacteria decreased the mutagenicity of selected substances more than killed cells. Synergic activity of selenium with the bacterium was also manifested.
Insights
Selenium enhances the antimutagenic effects of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain M-74. Extracts from media with selenium showed greater protection against mutagens in a Salmonella typhimurium assay.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Probiotic bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecium, are known for their health benefits.
- Mutagenicity, the ability to cause genetic mutations, can be induced by various chemical agents.
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimutagenic activity of Enterococcus faecium strain M-74.
- To determine the influence of selenium supplementation on the bacterium's antimutagenic potential.
- To evaluate the synergistic effects of selenium and E. faecium M-74 against induced mutagenicity.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of concentrated MRS (De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe) media extracts with and without selenium.
- Utilizing the Salmonella typhimurium assay to assess mutagenicity induced by ofloxacin, N-methyl, N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and sodium 5-nitro-2-furylacrylate.
- Comparing the antimutagenic activity of extracts from selenium-supplemented media versus non-supplemented media.
- Assessing the impact of live and killed E. faecium M-74 cells, with and without selenium, on mutagenicity.
Main Results:
- MRS media extracts supplemented with selenium (+Se) exhibited significantly higher antimutagenic activity than those without selenium (-Se).
- Selenium demonstrably enhanced the antimutagenic effects of both live and killed Enterococcus faecium M-74 cells.
- Live E. faecium M-74 cells showed a greater reduction in mutagenicity compared to killed cells.
- A synergistic effect was observed between selenium and Enterococcus faecium M-74 in mitigating mutagenicity.
Conclusions:
- Selenium supplementation potentiates the antimutagenic properties of Enterococcus faecium strain M-74.
- The combination of selenium and this probiotic bacterium offers enhanced protection against chemical mutagens.
- These findings suggest a potential role for selenium-enriched probiotics in chemoprevention strategies.
