Abstract
The gastrointestinal and respiratory systems are colonized by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms called the microbiota. These microorganisms co-evolved over millions of years with the host, creating a symbiotic relationship that is fundamental for promoting host homeostasis by producing bioactive metabolites and antimicrobial molecules, and regulating the immune and inflammatory responses. Imbalance in the abundance, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota (known as dysbiosis) have been shown to increase host susceptibility to infections in the lungs, suggesting crosstalk between these organs. This crosstalk is now referred to as the gut-lung axis. Hence, the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for modulation of gut microbiota has been studied based on their effectiveness in reducing the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections, mainly owing to their effects on preventing pathogen colonization and modulating the immune system. This review discusses the role and responses of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the gut-lung axis in the face of lung infections.
Highlights
Microorganisms and humans have co-evolved for thousands of years, and many survival functions have been defined throughout this time for both
A peptide P18 produced by the probiotic Bacillus subtilis 3 (UCM B-5007) share high structural homology with influenza virus (IFV) neutralizing antibody, and it is capable of inhibit IFV replication in vitro and protect 80% of mice from lethal IFV infection when administered in a therapeutic regimen
Studies have shown that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have prophylactic and therapeutic effects against lung infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and helminths, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action and molecular pathways involved in these strategies
Summary
Microorganisms and humans have co-evolved for thousands of years, and many survival functions have been defined throughout this time for both. The URT comprises the nostrils, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and oropharynx, while the lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli These organs make up one of the largest surface areas in the human body, that from the nostrils to the lungs, is colonized by a symbiotic and diverse community of microorganisms (Figure 1). CRL 423 and Streptococcus thermophilus CRL 412 (Villena et al, 2006), L. casei CRL 431 (Villena et al, 2005, 2009), L. fermentum (Cangemi De Gutierrez et al, 2001), and L. rhamnosus CRL 1505 (Barbieri et al, 2017) causes: 1) increased resistance to infection, 2) decreased number of bacteria in the lungs, and 3) increased survival of mice infected with S. pneumoniae These articles, associated this protection with an increase in neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, phagocytic activity, and levels specific anti-S. pneumoniae IgG and IgA in the lungs. The increase in phagocytic activity and the number of neutrophils in the lower respiratory tract is the first line of defense against invading pathogens, and the increase in regulatory cells and cytokines contributes to the reduction of the inflammatory
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