Effect of probiotics on nasal and intestinal microbiota in people with high exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Abstract

Background Extended exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 changes the human microbiota profile, which in turn may increase morbidity and mortality due to respiratory system damage. A balanced microecosystem is crucial to human health, and certain health-related problems may be addressed by effective microecosystem regulation. Recent studies have confirmed that probiotics may reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. However, few studies have investigated probiotic treatment outcomes in subjects exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5. Methods This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, participants- and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. One hundred and twenty eligible volunteers recruited from October 2019 to July 2020 in downtown Chengdu, China, will be treated with either probiotics or placebo over 4 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be 16SrRNA sequencing assay data from nasal and intestinal secretions. Secondary outcomes will be pulmonary function, score on a gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, COOP/WONCA charts, and the Short-Form Health Survey 36 for quality of life. Results will be analyzed to assess differences in clinical efficacy between groups. Six-month follow-up examinations will evaluate the long-term value of probiotics on cardiovascular and respiratory disease end-point events. Discussion We will explore the characteristics of nasal and intestinal microbiota in a population with high exposure to PM2.5. Probiotics and placebo interventions will be tested for efficacy in microbial balance regulation, effects on lung and physical functions, and quality of life improvement. This study is expected to provide reliable evidence to support the widespread promotion of probiotics in clinical practice for the protection of individuals with high exposure to PM2.5. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900025469. Registered on 27 August 2019.

Role of probiotics in chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review of randomised, controlled trials

“…Current trials examining the effect of ingested oral probiotics with respect to alterations in both nasal and intestinal microbiomes are under way. 37 Early studies report alterations in nasal microbiomes following oral probiotic treatment, but have yet to establish if the reverse is true. 38 Similar to intranasal steroids, which are a mainstay of medical chronic rhinosinusitis treatment because of excellent safety profiles, 39 the systemic side effect profile of probiotics should be determined if intended for application as chronic rhinosinusitis adjunctive treatment.…”

PM2.5 and Serum Metabolome and Insulin Resistance, Potential Mediation by the Gut Microbiome: A Population-Based Panel Study of Older Adults in China

“…2014b ). may carry microorganisms, which would induce the proinflammatory response of the immune system, increase intestinal permeability, and lead to the growth of specific microbiota ( Wu et al. 2020 ).…”

Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and the Risk of Chronic Liver Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

“…Gut microbiota dysbiosis and insulin resistance might be one of possible mechanisms. Both in vivo and prospective studies have indicated that chronic exposure to PM2.5 caused dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and may subsequently contribute to the development of abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Previous studies presented that gut microbiota affected bioprocessing of bile acids and production of pro-inflammatory intermediate metabolites resulting in hepatic disorders [ 59 , 60 ].…”