The Networked Interaction between Probiotics and Intestine in Health and Disease: A Promising Success Story

Abstract

Probiotics are known to promote human health either precautionary in healthy individuals or therapeutically in patients suffering from certain ailments. Although this knowledge was empirical in past tomes, modern science has already verified it and expanded it to new limits. These microorganisms can be found in nature in various foods such as dairy products or in supplements formulated for clinical or preventive use. The current review examines the different mechanisms of action of the probiotic strains and how they interact with the organism of the host. Emphasis is put on the clinical therapeutic use of these beneficial microorganisms in various clinical conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and particularly any malfunction and inflammation of the intestines seriously compromise the health of the whole organism. The interaction between the probiotic strains and the host’s microbiota can alleviate the clinical signs and symptoms while in some cases, in due course, it can intervene in the underlying pathology. Various safety issues of the use of probiotics are also discussed.

A survey into the utilization of probiotics and medicinal plants among individuals afflicted with gastrointestinal disorders in healthcare institutions in Saïda, Algeria

“…L. acidophilus will be able to act visceral sensitivity by increasing the opioid and cannabinoid receptors in the intestinal mucosa [ 23–25 ]. However, Hadjimbei et al demonstrated that the lactic ferments S. Thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are types of probiotics that enhance the functioning of the intestines, reduce the intensity of infectious diarrhoea, have a positive impact on diarrhoea after antibiotic treatment, and improve the elimination of Helicobacter pylori by 5 to 15% [ 26 , 27 ]. Based on a recent evaluation conducted by So et al .…”

Efficacy of a Food Supplement Containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA14, Peptides, and a Multivitamin Complex in Improving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Related Outcomes and Quality of Life of Subjects Showing Mild-to-Moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…Probiotics and fermented soy proteins have already been evaluated in vivo for their ability to improve upper and lower GI tract condition [ 31 , 32 ]. Indeed, there is highly supportive evidence that probiotic improve overall GI symptoms [ 19 , 33 ] and abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [ 34 ], and reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea [ 35 ] and side effects associated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Viability-PCR for the selective detection of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in live bacteria-containing products

“…Microorganisms in spontaneously fermented foods have been empirically used for these purposes (Leeuwendaal et al, 2022 ). Subsequent studies have revealed that only certain live microbial strains in abundant quantities can confer health benefits to the host, mainly by enhancing metabolic functions, strengthening the mucosal intestinal barrier, protecting against pathogens, and stimulating the immune system (Campaniello et al, 2023 ; Skoufou et al, 2024 ). Scientific advances in the field have promoted the expansion and diversification of products containing live bacteria, including probiotic food supplements commonly used to ameliorate intestinal and general health, live biotherapeutic products intended to prevent or treat several diseases, and fecal microbiota that, once transferred from healthy donors to individuals with intestinal disorders, can restore the gut microbial balance (Mcilroy et al, 2019 ; Cordaillat-Simmons et al, 2022 ; Franciosa et al, 2023 ).…”