Evaluation of the Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Epithelial Damage in Colitis Disease: A Systematic Review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review synthesizing 46 studies on probiotic interventions for colitis.
PubMed 39602817 · doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuae180
What was done
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42023452774) evaluated the effects of probiotic supplementation on intestinal barrier integrity and tight junction proteins in colitis. A systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases yielded 2,537 records. Reviewers evaluated study quality and descriptively summarized findings across intervention conditions, study populations, measurement methods, and outcomes from 46 included studies.
What was found
The abstract reports study counts (2,537 identified, 46 included) but provides no quantitative effect sizes, numerical values, or statistical measures. Probiotics primarily from the Lactobacillaceae family (L. casei, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. pentosus) and Bifidobacteriaceae family (B. breve, B. animalis, B. dentium), among others, showed positive effects on tight junction proteins. These effects were linked to bioactive metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, pathogen reduction, and decreased inflammation. Benefits on tight junction proteins varied depending on the specific strain and dose.
Why it matters
Intestinal barrier dysfunction is central to colitis pathogenesis. This review indicates that barrier improvements from probiotics are dependent on specific strains and dosages rather than being a generic class effect.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative meta-analysis, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. It does not state what proportion of the 46 included studies were animal models versus human clinical trials. Optimal dosages, durations, strain combinations, and downstream effects on nutrient absorption were not determined.
Cited by
- supports The gut microbiome functions to support and maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier (gut lining).