Does lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 enhance NF-kappaB activation in Escherichia coli-stimulated urinary bladder cells through TLR4?
The immunological outcome of E. coli challenge of bladder cells was influenced by probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1, by enhancing the activation of NF-kappaB and TNF release. Thus the urogenital probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 modulated the activation of the NF-kappaB through increased levels of TLR4 on the bladder cells and altered subsequent release of cytokines from urothelial cells. By influencing immunological factors such as TLR4, important in the process of fighting pathogens, lactobacilli could facilitate pathogen recognition and infection clearance.
There was no difference in blood pressure or heart rate between the hormone replacement and non-hormone replacement postmenopausal women, either over 24 h or during the day or night. Hormone replacement in postmenopausal women seems not to have an influence on blood pressure, but of course we are aware that this is a cross-sectional study, which has its limitations.