A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials, with a total of 3720 participants, examined the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, adults, and older people.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street

25 Aug 2015

by Paul Enck

A study by De Palma, et al. used germ-free and specific pathogen-free mouse models to investigate the effects of early-life stress.

In this Nature Medicine news article, Roxanne Khamsi reports on research around the world showing the microbiome exerts an influence on the human immune system. If scientists knew how to control the key process of inflammation, they could profoundly influence the course of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, and liver disease.

After intestinal anastomosis -- resection and reconnection of intestinal segments -- the intestine sometimes fails to heal. Leakage, peritonitis, and sepsis can result: in other words, anastomotic leak. The underlying cause of this complication is unknown, but evidence is growing that intestinal microbes play a role.

Quality and quantity of gluten, maturity of gut functions influencing antigen trafficking and handling (e.g. pattern recognition receptors and barrier function) and changes in microbiome composition are factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Yava L. Jones-Hall, Ariangela Kozik and Cindy Nakatsu from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, have recently published a paper in PLoS ONE on the role of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the impact of this pro-inflammatory cytokine on the gut microbiota.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is known for exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo by secreted metabolites that block nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. The low proportion of F. prausnitzii in the microbiome of Crohn’s disease patients characterizes the microbial dysbiosis associated with that condition.

Protecting the gut barrier: Which probiotic wins?

2 Jul 2015

by Kristina Campbell

Many disorders are associated with impaired function of the gut barrier. The gut microbiota regulates gut barrier function, and previous research has shown that modulation of gut microbiota shows promise for enhancing barrier integrity.

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