Microbiota Modulation: Can Probiotics Prevent/Treat Disease in Pediatrics?

Abstract

A number of metagenomic analyses providing knowledge of the human microbiome have yielded data on the differences between healthy and diseased individuals. Microbiota manipulation, such as through the administration of probiotics, may potentially contribute to improved health outcomes. The objective of this review was to summarize the most recent data on the use of probiotics to treat or prevent diseases in pediatrics. MEDLINE and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in September 2012 for randomized controlled trials or their meta-analyses published in the last 3 years. To provide examples of current research interests, the focus of the search was on well-studied, common pediatric conditions as well as on some chronic diseases for which the benefits of gut microbiota manipulation are only in the early stages.

Clinical intervention using Bifidobacterium strains in celiac disease children reveals novel microbial modulators of TNF-α and short-chain fatty acids

“…Application of probiotics in clinical practice has been frequently used due to their immunomodulatory [21,22] and microbiota modulation effects [23][24][25][26], demonstrated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the effect of Bifidobacterium strains on gut microbiota composition and their applications as probiotics in infants have been reviewed [27] and their administration in one in-vivo study [25] has revealed an impact on Firmicutes abundance, resulting in an increase of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.…”

Gut Microbiota Promotes Immune Tolerance by Regulating RORγt+ Treg Cells in Food Allergy

“…Colonizing the gut of germ-free mice with Clostridium-containing microbiota prevents food allergies by activating innate lymphocytes, producing IL-22, and enhancing intestinal permeability [34,62]. Probiotics are considered living bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, and their number and function are related to the health benefits of the host [85]. Restoring a healthy gut microbiome through supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics is a potential pathway for inducing intestinal tolerance [86].…”

Mechanisms of Tolerance Induction

“…Probiotics Probiotics are defined as live bacteria that naturally colonize the gastrointestinal tract, and their presence in adequate amounts is associated with health benefits for the host [77] . An altered composition of the gut micro- 18 biota might predispose children to food allergy by changing Toll-like receptor signaling and the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells [15] .…”

“…2 ). They are commonly added as nutritional supplements like oligosaccharides [77] . Pooling of data from multiple studies in a recently updated Cochrane review showed a potential benefit in the prevention of AD, but no conclusive evidence was found regarding the prevention of other allergic diseases or food allergies [80] .…”