Probiotics in Intestinal Mucosal Healing: A New Therapy or an Old Friend?

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammation, while their pathogenesis remains mostly unelucidated. Gut commensal microbiota seem to be one of the various implicated factors, as several studies have shown a significant decrease in the microbiome diversity of patients with IBD. Although the question of whether microbiota dysbiosis is a causal factor or the result of chronic inflammation remains unanswered, one fact is clear; active inflammation in IBD results in the disruption of the mucus layer structure, barrier function, and also, colonization sites. Recently, many studies on IBD have been focusing on the interplay between mucosal and luminal microbiota, underlining their possible beneficial effect on mucosal healing. Regarding this notion, it has now been shown that specific probiotic strains, when administrated, lead to significantly decreased inflammation, amelioration of colitis, and improved mucosal healing. Probiotics are live microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host’s health when administered in adequate quantity. The aim of this review was to present and discuss the current findings on the role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in intestinal wound healing and the effects of probiotics on intestinal mucosal wound closure.

Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics Combined With Traditional Chinese Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Similarly, the probiotic products Symprove and VSL#3, also can regulate microbial dysbiosis and restore barrier function in UC patients ( Ghyselinck et al, 2020 ). Some experts believe that probiotics should be considered not only a simple dietary supplement, but also a potential therapeutic factor for UC ( Filidou and Kolios, 2021 ).…”

Mucosa and microbiota – the role of intrinsic parameters on intestinal wound healing

“…In addition, the transfer of living microorganisms, mostly Lactobacillus phyla, has exerted benefical effects on mucosal healing in murine models of DSS-colitis and gastric ulcera (62).…”

Synbiotic Combination between Lactobacillus paracasei VL8 and Mannan-Oligosaccharide Repairs the Intestinal Barrier in the Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Model by Regulating the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche

“…9 In IBD, the significant increase in the number of pathogens within the intestines and the decrease in beneficial bacteria substantially dictate the alterations in the structure and function of the ISC niche 6,15 microbial metabolism is, therefore, a promising therapy for regulating the ISC functions. 16 Recent advances underscore the significant roles of probiotics and prebiotics in the healing of intestinal mucosa barrier, 17 particularly in regulating ISCs. Key studies have illuminated these roles: Lee et al demonstrated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) enhance ISCs, Paneth, and goblet cell proliferation via lactate-stimulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling.…”

“…Recent advances underscore the significant roles of probiotics and prebiotics in the healing of intestinal mucosa barrier, particularly in regulating ISCs. Key studies have illuminated these roles: Lee et al demonstrated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) enhance ISCs, Paneth, and goblet cell proliferation via lactate-stimulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling .…”