Role of Probiotics and Their Metabolites in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)

Toumi Ryma,Arezki Samer,Imene Soufli,Chafia Touil-Boukoffa,Hayet Rafa

doi:10.3390/gastroent12010006

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used to describe a group of complex disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBDs include two main forms: Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), which share similar clinical symptoms but differ in the anatomical distribution of the inflammatory lesions. The etiology of IBDs is undetermined. Several hypotheses suggest that Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis result from an abnormal immune response against endogenous flora and luminal antigens in genetically susceptible individuals. While there is no cure for IBDs, most common treatments (medication and surgery) aim to reduce inflammation and help patients to achieve remission. There is growing evidence and focus on the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of probiotics in IBDs. Probiotics are live microorganisms that regulate the mucosal immune system, the gut microbiota and the production of active metabolites such as Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). This review will focus on the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the immunopathogenesis of IBDs and understanding the health-promoting effects of probiotics and their metabolites.

Highlights

This review will focus on the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the immunopathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and understanding the health-promoting effects of probiotics and their metabolites
Probiotics can act by direct contact with the immune and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs) or through the secretion of active metabolites such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that exerts numerous anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions [20]
We have shown the beneficial effects of the probiotic mixture Ultrabiotique® containing (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve) in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced experimental model of colitis

Summary

Introduction

Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC) are the main forms of Inflammatory. Bowel Diseases (IBDs). Several clinical trials and experimental studies reported the beneficial effects of probiotics in a variety of GI disorders Their exact mechanism of action is still not well understood, but probiotics seem to be able to improve the intestinal microbial balance, maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and modulate local and systemic immune responses [19]. Probiotics can act by direct contact with the immune and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs) or through the secretion of active metabolites such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that exerts numerous anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions [20]. The use of such metabolites has been proposed to overcome the risk of infection associated with the ingestion of large bacterial loads. This review will focus on describing the involvement of the dysbiosis in the onset of IBDs and understanding the potential beneficial effects of probiotics and their metabolites as a complementary and alternative therapeutic approach

Functional Role of the Gut Microbiota

Alteration of Gut Microbiota in IBDs

Role of Probiotics and Their Active Metabolites in IBDs

Conclusions