Synergic activity of selenium and probiotic bacteriumEnterococcus faecium M-74 against selected mutagens inSalmonella assay

Concentrated extracts of MRS (De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe) media in which probiotic bacteriumEnterococcus 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 inSalmonella 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 ofE. 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.