Use Of Probiotics Research Articles (Page 3)

Background: Acute watery diarrhea (AWD) affecting children contribute to high rates of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing nations. Use of probiotics, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been suggested as an additional therapeutic option in the management of childhood diarrhea. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in treating diarrhea in children aged 06 months to 2 years. Methods: A total of 552 children, aged between 6 months and 12 years, who were diagnosed with severe watery diarrhea, participated in this study. Out of these, 300 children took daily doses of L. acidophilus for five consecutive days, while the remaining 252 children were given a placebo. Initial stool specimens were obtained from all participants to detect the presence of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Ascaris lumbricoides. The primary outcomes assessed included the duration of diarrhea, hospital stay length, stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, electrolyte imbalances, and the time taken for symptom resolution. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and regression models to examine factors contributing to positive clinical outcomes. Results: Children who received probiotics showed a marked improvement in duration of diarrhea (42.50 ± 11.80 hours vs. 58.40 ± 27.50 hours) and reduced hospital stay (66.10 ± 9.80 hours vs. 81.50 ± 27.00 hours), with p-values of < 0.001 and 0.008, respectively. They also showed quicker improvements in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency, along with fewer electrolyte disturbances (p < 0.001). The clinical efficacy of the probiotic was 91.0%, significantly higher than the control group's 79.9% (p = 0.021). Conclusion: Our findings strongly advocate for the effectiveness of probiotics in treating diarrhea in children.

Para-probiotics, also referred to as non-viable microbial cells or cell components that confer health benefits, are emerging as promising agents in the prevention and management of inflammation-associated diseases. Unlike traditional probiotics, which require viability for efficacy, these inactivated forms offer significant advantages in terms of safety, stability, and applicability in vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals. Recent studies have highlighted their capacity to modulate immune responses, enhance mucosal defense mechanisms, and reinforce intestinal barrier integrity through interactions involving microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and host pattern recognition receptors. Such interactions influence signaling cascades like NF-κB, MAPKs, and inflammasome pathways, contributing to antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. One of the key advantages is the reduced risk of adverse effects and concerns associated with live probiotic use. In addition, their robust physicochemical stability under industrial processing conditions supports their incorporation into a range of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Despite these advantages, their mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood and require further investigation. This review synthesizes current evidence on their anti-inflammatory properties, highlights preclinical and clinical studies, and discusses technological approaches for their production. Overall, these bioactives represent a safe, stable, and efficacious alternative to traditional probiotics in managing inflammatory disorders.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal problems, including intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies, such as elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA), have demonstrated improvements in lung function, abdominal symptoms, and quality of life in patients with CF. However, the impact of these modulators on the intestinal microbiota in the pediatric population remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the changes in the intestinal microbiota of pediatric patients with CF after 6 months of treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA. Thirty-one patients with CF, aged 6-18 years, were recruited. Stool samples were collected before the initiation of treatment and approximately 6 months thereafter. Microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Statistical analyses were employed to evaluate changes in alpha and beta diversity and variations in the relative abundance of different bacterial taxa. Clinical variables such as concomitant use of azithromycin and probiotics were considered. After 6 months of treatment, no significant changes in the alpha diversity were observed. However, alterations in bacterial composition were detected. A decrease in the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae members (Escherichia/Shigella) was observed. The abundance of genus Blautia increased. Differential analysis according to antibiotic and probiotic consumption revealed specific changes in microbiota composition. ELX/TEZ/IVA therapy for 6 months induces changes in the intestinal microbiota composition of pediatric patients with CF, characterized by a reduction in potentially harmful bacteria and an increase in potentially beneficial bacteria. These findings suggest a modulation towards a healthier intestinal microbiota profile.

BackgroundIn previous research, probiotics have shown to be beneficial in preventing and limiting the progress of upper respiratory infections. Their effectiveness in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been investigated mainly in hospitalized patients, and less so among outpatients who constitute majority of COVID-19 cases.AimThis systematic review evaluates the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotic use on prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among patients with mild symptoms in outpatient settings.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for studies from their inception to May 2024, restricting to randomized controlled trials and before-and-after studies. The primary outcomes were infection incidence and complete remission rate. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0) and risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was performed to assess the certainty of the evidence.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials and one pre-post study on 1235 participants were included. Four studies had low risk of bias. Probiotics were effective in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 upon exposure and accelerating the symptomatic remission of mild COVID-19 with less systemic symptoms. Overall, the certainty of evidence on both primary outcomes was moderate. Comorbidities and old ages were found to be significant confounders. Probiotics demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and humoral effects in the nasopharyngeal cavity.ConclusionThese results suggest that probiotics are effective at preventing COVID-19 and support faster recovery from mild COVID-19 among individuals seeking for outpatient care. People with comorbidities, that is, metabolic disorder and elderly benefit the most from probiotics supplements.

IntroductionCoenrollment is the enrollment of one participant into more than one study. While coenrollment can enhance research efficiency, it theoretically may result in treatment interactions that distort effect estimates. This study aimed to explore the sensitivity of safety and efficacy outcomes to coenrollment in an international, blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating probiotic use in critically ill patients (PROSPECT: Probiotics: Prevention of Severe Pneumonia and Endotracheal Colonization Trial; [NCT02462590]).MethodsIn this planned secondary analysis of PROSPECT, we performed Cox proportional hazards analyses to assess the sensitivity of the treatment effect of probiotics to coenrollment on the primary outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Secondarily, we examined the characteristics of coenrolled patients, studies, and centers using descriptive statistics, explored factors associated with coenrollment via a multilevel logistic regression model, and conducted Fisher’s exact tests to evaluate the difference in adverse event rates (defined as Lactobacillus species from a sterile site or cultured as the sole or predominant organism from a nonsterile site) by coenrollment status.ResultsOf 2650 PROSPECT participants recruited across 44 centers, 568 patients (21.4%) were coenrolled a total of 680 times across 115 studies. Coenrollment did not modify the effect of probiotics on the primary outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia (p = 0.630). Patients who were coenrolled in any other study had a higher rate of adverse events compared to non-coenrolled patients (p = 0.011); however, post hoc testing found no difference in adverse events between patients coenrolled specifically into at least one other randomized controlled trial and patients who were not coenrolled into another randomized controlled trial (i.e., coenrolled into an observational study or not coenrolled at all; p = 0.126). Multivariable analyses found more severely ill patients (p = 0.038) and patients from centers with a longer PROSPECT recruitment period (p = 0.047) were more likely to be coenrolled.ConclusionIn this international, blinded trial, one-fifth of patients enrolled were coenrolled in at least one other study, which had no influence on the effect of probiotics on the primary outcome. Coenrolled patients were more likely to have higher disease severity, and to be recruited from a center with a longer history of participation in PROSPECT.Trial registrationThe PROSPECT trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02462590. Registered on June 2015.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-025-09028-w.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a bioactive amino acid with anti-inflammatory and neurotransmitter properties, yet limited information exists regarding its production by Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum. We evaluated factors that influence GABA synthesis by L. paraplantarum HK-1 and assessed its production in vitro and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. GABA production was analyzed using HPLC with pre-column derivatization, gene expression was assessed through RT-qPCR, and probiotic characteristics were evaluated using standard microbiological methods. L. paraplantarum HK-1 demonstrated dose-dependent GABA production with monosodium glutamate (MSG) supplementation, achieving maximum levels at 500 mM MSG (161.1 µg/mL), which was significantly higher than those in other treatments (p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation was observed between MSG concentration and GABA production (r = 0.908, p = 0.002). Gene expression analysis revealed a 61.6-fold higher gadB expression at 500 mM MSG compared to 250 mM, though statistical significance with GABA production was not achieved (r = 0.741, p = 0.259). The strain exhibited appropriate probiotic characteristics including γ-hemolytic activity, bile salt tolerance, and acid resistance. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, maximum GABA production occurred in the distal colon (148.3 ± 19.0 µg/mL with probiotic vs. 7.2 ± 6.2 µg/mL control), with overall production significantly higher in probiotic-treated groups (p < 0.001). Overall, L. paraplantarum HK-1 produced GABA throughout gastrointestinal phases and showed traits consistent with probiotic use. These results position HK-1 as a promising GABA-producing candidate for functional food applications, pending in vivo validation.

Background Periodontal diseases are common and can lead to severe dental complications, with bacterial infections at their core. Dental restorations, such as crowns, can exacerbate these conditions by facilitating bacterial accumulation. Traditional therapies, including mechanical debridement and antimicrobial agents, may not fully address oral microbiome dysbiosis, potentially leading to recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance.Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a probiotic mouthwash in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in patients with full crown anterior teeth prostheses, focusing on the impact on the oral microbiome and inflammatory markers.Methods A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 patients with gingivitis and 30 periodontally healthy individuals was conducted. The participants used either a probiotic or placebo mouthwash for one month. Clinical assessments, including the bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI), were conducted at baseline and post-treatment. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Microbial diversity was analysed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing.Results Probiotic mouthwash use significantly decreased BI, PLI and GI values compared to the control group. Decreases in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels in the gingival crevicular fluid were also observed. Microbial analysis showed an improved oral microbiome health index and reduced levels of periodontal pathogens.Conclusion The probiotic mouthwash significantly improved gingival health and modulated the oral microbiome, suggesting its potential as an adjunct to standard periodontal treatments for patients with dental prostheses.

Use of Probiotics in the Management of Diarrhea in the Pediatric Population

Probiotic use has become more important in aquaculture for healthy and sustainable output. In particular, Bacillus spp. have emerged as effective probiotic agents, improving gut health, enhancing the immune system, promoting growth, and providing protection against pathogens in fish. Therefore, the application of Bacillus in aquaculture offers a strategic approach to increasing productivity while reducing the reliance on antibiotics. In this study, the antibacterial activities of Bacillus isolates, whose probiotic properties will be determined, against test bacteria that are fish pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum, Lactococcus garvieae, and Yersinia ruckeri were determined by using cross-streak method and agar well diffusion methods. Then, antibiotic resistances of 75 isolates determined to have antibacterial activity were screened against 9 different antibiotics by the agar disc diffusion method. Gastric juice (pH 2.5) tolerance of 55 isolates determined to be sensitive to antibiotics was examined, and the tolerance of 13 isolates to gastric juice was determined. Optimum growth characteristics at acidic pH, surface hydrophobicity, bile tolerance, and protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase activities, hemolytic activities, coagulase activities, bacterial adhesion abilities, and biofilm production properties of these isolates were determined. As a result, Bacillus subtilis Ö-4-68, with the best probiotic properties, was selected from the examined isolates, and production medium optimization was carried out with laboratory scale statistical experiment design (Response Surface Methodology, RSM) for high amount of biomass production. As a result of the trials, an economical cost-effective production medium content with high biomass production was determined.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics have effects on intestinal permeability in children with sepsis. Septic children who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were included in this randomized double-blind study. Children received 2*109CFU/day probiotics or placebo for 7days. The primary outcome was change in the markers of intestinal permeability, the serum levels of zonulin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), within 7days. The secondary outcomes included inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP), changes in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, need for mechanical ventilation and vasoactive, multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS), septic shock, and healthcare-associated infections (HCAI)s, duration of PICU/hospital stays, and hospital mortality. After 1 week of therapy, the levels of zonulin and LBP were reduced in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group, albeit there were no significant between-group differences for both (P = 0.88 for zonulin, P = 0.53 for LBP). In terms of inflammatory cytokines, probiotic usage led to a significant reduction in IL-6 (- 25.1 ± 29.1pg/mL, P = 0.001) and an increase in IL-10 levels (25.4 ± 41.6pg/mL, P < 0.001) with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). There were no differences between groups for other secondary outcomes, PICU/hospital stay, and mortality. Likewise, no serious side effects were seen after probiotic treatment in the study group. Treatment of pediatric septic with probiotics was followed by improvement in inflammatory cytokines. Although we are not able to infer those probiotics provided benefit for intestinal permeability markers and known important clinical outcomes in pediatric sepsis. Registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) with the number IRCT20170202032367N10.

Background: Oral traumatic ulcers are defined as an impairment to the mucous membranes accompanied by loss of surface and disintegration of epithelial tissue, which is damaged due to trauma. The treatment of traumatic ulcers varies and covers the administration of antiseptics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. However, the long-term use of certain drugs may cause resistance and disagreeable side effects. This condition led to the increasing need for alternative treatments, such as the use of probiotics, whose potential effect as a wound-healing agent has been proven. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the effect of probiotics on oral ulcers in animal studies. Furthermore, it demonstrates the results of in vivo studies focusing on the expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) due to systemic application of probiotics in healing Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus) with traumatic ulcers. Materials and methods: Data collected from a secondary data search. Articles were selected and reviewed narratively according to predetermined criteria. Results: Based on selected studies can be implied that the expression of FGF plays a significant role when Lactobacillus and other probiotics components are administered to the animal models because it provides and restores collagen in the new extracellular matrix in response to tissue damage. Conclusion: Overall, systemic application of probiotics can promote the healing process of traumatic ulcers in Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus). FGF, as one of the essential modulators for wound healing, plays a significant role by increasing the formation of fibroblasts, the amount of collagen levels, and accelerating fibrosis; thus, the expression of FGF is completely increased in ulcers healing process.

We previously described the use of probiotics to deliver a Lactobacillus rhamnosus-derived therapeutic protein, P8, which has been identified as a candidate colorectal cancer (CRC) suppressor protein with anti-proliferation and anti-migration activities. P8 was found to penetrate cell membranes by endocytosis, suppressing cell proliferation through G2 cell cycle arrest. Despite the ability of P8 to suppress cell migration in vitro, its mechanism of action in CRC is unclear. We profiled the P8-interacting partner proteins using the pull-down method with His-tagged bait P8 and then identified them by LC-MS/MS. Among the interacting targets, we focused on the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 1 (Smad1), which is well known as one of the important modulators of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-derived migration pathway in CRC. The present study discovers that P8 prevents the phosphorylation of Smad1 or heterologous complexes within the Smad family, interfering with the importation of Smad1 or its complexes into the nucleus. Thus, P8 significantly inhibits the up-regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes mediated by Smad1. P8 also inhibits the morphological changes required for cell migration or adhesion. P8 induces morphologic changes in DLD-1 cells, and their spheroid surfaces, resulting in a significant reduction of the number and length of filopodia, as well as the down-regulation of the expression of myosin X and its accumulation in filopodia tips. This phenomenon seems to be a major negative regulator of cell motility that could be of key importance in metastasis. Use of a mouse model of human CRC metastasis confirmed that P8 significantly suppresses the liver metastatic rate. Probiotic-derived protein P8 significantly suppresses CRC metastasis through inhibition of the Smad1-EMT signal pathway and cell–cell adhesion.

Are biopesticides really safe? Impacts on gut microbiota and intestinal health in freshwater fish.

Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, have gained considerable scientific and commercial interest for their ability to support gut health, strengthen immunity, and reduce disease risk. This review traces the genesis of probiotic science from its origins in traditional fermented foods to contemporary clinical applications, offering a conceptual understanding of its evolution. A clear distinction is drawn between endogenous probiotics, naturally resident in the human microbiome, and exogenous probiotics, introduced via dietary supplements and functional foods. The broad spectrum of documented health benefits is examined, encompassing digestive, immune, metabolic, neurological, and dermatological outcomes. Recent innovations are highlighted, including bioengineered probiotic strains with targeted therapeutic functions, the integration of probiotics with prebiotics as synbiotics, and advanced delivery systems such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology. Special attention is given to regulatory frameworks, with global comparisons and a focused case study on Argentina, alongside a structured roadmap for translating research into market-ready products. The review also addresses inclusivity in probiotic use, emphasizing safety considerations across diverse populations, and underscores the strain-specific nature of probiotic effects. Current challenges such as commercialization gaps, regulatory inconsistencies, and underexplored applications in non-digestive health domains are critically discussed. The conclusion calls for interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, nutritionists, clinicians, and technologists to accelerate innovation, ensure equitable access, and maximize the potential of probiotics in promoting health and preventing disease.

Role of gut microbiota disruption in prosthetic joint infection: a scoping review.

The current meta-analysis aimed at updating evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of probiotics against autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and identifying outcome confounders. Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized placebo-controlled trials retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect were analyzed for effect size of primary outcomes (i.e., overall behavioral symptom changes) expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios (ORs) for continuous and categorical variables, respectively, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis of eight studies (465 participants, mean age: 6.03, range: 1.5-45, female: 17.4%) revealed total ASD symptom improvements in the probiotic group compared to placebos (SMD: -0.19, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%, eight studies, 465 participants, certainty of evidence [COE]: low). Subgroup analyses showed probiotics-associated improvements only in studies recruiting predominantly preschool children (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.01, p = 0.04, three studies, 191 participants) or those using probiotics for over three months (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.06, p = 0.04, three studies, 144 participants) without difference between multiple-and single-strain probiotics. No difference was noted in overall dropouts between individuals treated with probiotics and those taking placebos (OR: 0.98, p = 0.94, eight studies, I2 = 0%, 464 participants, COE: low). Despite a low risk of bias in most studies, COE was deemed low from limited trials and inconsistencies on sensitivity analysis. The current study showed an association between probiotics use and an improvement in ASD symptoms, mainly in those aged below six or over three-month treatments. More large-scale investigations are warranted to support our findings.

Background: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of commercial broiler farmers regarding poultry nutrition and health management have a significant impact on the productivity and sustainability of poultry farming. This study was conducted between June and August 2022, involving a total of 150 farms- 75 each from the districts of Kathmandu and Rupandehi in Nepal. Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed to assess farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition and health management in commercial broiler farming. Results: The findings reveal that only 30% of respondents had received training in poultry farming practices, while 73.3% relied on poultry farming as their primary source of income. Despite 56.67% acknowledging good government policies on nutritional feeding, 60% reported inappropriate antimicrobial use in feed formulation. Similarly, 60% admitted to adding antimicrobials to feed at any time to prevent illness in birds. Furthermore, 76.67% admitted to skipping one or two doses of prescribed medication. The study also found that 46.67% of respondents believed that routine feed was sufficient for poultry, while 36.67% thought that the use of probiotics and feed supplements was equivalent. Additionally, 46.67% of respondents added feed additives when birds failed to reach average weight. Likewise, 40% agreed on using probiotics and feed supplements at any age. Although all respondents were aware of who is authorized to prescribe medications, only 73.3% consulted veterinarians. Conclusion: The study identifies significant gaps between knowledge and practice, particularly in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, feed management, and disease prevention. These findings highlight the need for effective training and targeted policy interventions. The results will help inform educational programs for farmers, aiming to standardize production practices and support the sustainable growth of both the farming community and the poultry industry in Nepal.

IntroductionConsidering the crucial role of the gut microbiome in children’s immunity and overall health, there is increasing interest in the use of probiotics for children. Insufficient parental awareness may result in the underuse of probiotics in appropriate clinical situations, improper strain selection, incorrect therapy duration, and overlooking potential drug interactions, all of which can undermine their efficacy and safety. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding probiotic use in preschool-aged children in Serbia, along with the factors influencing these aspects.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted using an anonymous electronic survey distributed via social media to parents of children aged 1–7 years in Serbia. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with parental knowledge and attitudes toward probiotic use.ResultsThe study included 1,625 parents. The median knowledge score of all respondents was 7.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6–8), while the median attitude score was 26.0 (IQR: 23–29), based on their respective scales (0–10 for knowledge and 7–35 for attitude) with significant differences (p < 0.001) between parents who used probiotics for their preschool children in the past year (62.5%) and those who did not (37.5%). The most common indications for probiotic use were alongside antibiotic therapy reported by 75.2% of parents, and for gastrointestinal issues, stated by 69.3% of parents. Parents showed the least knowledge about the strain-specific effects of probiotics and their interactions with medications. Although overall attitudes were moderately positive, approximately 50% of parents expressed doubts about probiotic efficacy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher parental education, occupation related to health care, longer duration of probiotic use, and consideration of probiotic strain selection significantly increased the odds of having adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward probiotics.ConclusionThe study revealed that the majority of parents lack adequate knowledge about probiotics and exhibit some skepticism regarding their effectiveness, which is reflected in their practical use for their children. Therefore, the role of healthcare professionals and pediatricians is crucial in educating parents about probiotics, offering guidance on their benefits, proper usage, and the selection of the most appropriate products.

The beneficial role of probiotics and gut microbiota in signaling pathways, immunity, apoptosis, autophagy, and intestinal barrier for effective wound healing post-burn injury.

Can Probiotics Influence Adaptive Thermogenesis Induced by Continuous Energy Restriction after a 12-Week Intervention in Adult Males Living with Obesity? A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial (São Paulo Clinical Study of Obesity and Intestinal Microbiota).