The study investigates the role of probiotics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in particular Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with a disturbed microbiome and an overactive immune response. While conventional treatments such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologics are commonly used, they do not provide a cure and are associated with side effects.
Probiotics, especially genetically modified probiotic bacteria, offer new possibilities for the treatment of IBD. These specially developed probiotics can produce anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-27 or improve the intestinal barrier function. Studies show that probiotics can help regulate gut flora, lower inflammatory markers and alleviate the symptoms of IBD.
Conclusion: Probiotics, especially strains optimized by probiotic engineering, could be a promising alternative or complement to existing therapies. Future research is needed to further investigate the optimal use and safety of these approaches.
Background:
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The exact causes are not fully understood, but a dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, genetic factors and environmental factors play a central role. Standard therapies include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators and biologics, but these are often associated with side effects and do not provide a long-term cure.
Aim of the study:
This review examines the potential role of probiotics in the treatment of IBD with a particular focus on probiotic engineering – the targeted genetic modification of probiotic bacterial strains to produce therapeutic molecules.
Methodology:
The study is based on a systematic analysis of current scientific publications on the use of probiotics in IBD. Both clinical and preclinical studies investigating the effects of probiotics on the intestinal barrier, the immune system and the composition of the microbiome were taken into account.
Results:
1. Microbiota and IBD:
– Patients with IBD have a reduced diversity of gut microbiota, with a decrease in beneficial bacteria(Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and an increase in potentially pathogenic strains(Escherichia coli, Clostridium).
– Dysbiosis promotes intestinal permeability, which leads to increased absorption of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and chronic immune activation.
2. Probiotic mechanisms:
– Probiotics promote the restoration of the microbiome, strengthen the intestinal barrier and produce anti-inflammatory metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
– Some probiotics directly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6.
3. Probiotic engineering as a future technology:
– Genetically modified Lactococcus lactis strains can release anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 or IL-27 locally in the intestine and thus modulate inflammatory reactions.
– Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 has been modified to produce protective trefoil factors that promote healing of the intestinal mucosa.
– In mouse models, probiotic therapies showed a significant reduction in inflammatory activity.
4. Probiotics in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease:
– Clinical studies show that a combination of Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Escherichia coli Nissle can support remission in ulcerative colitis.
– The study results for Crohn’s disease are less clear, but probiotic therapies could be useful as a complementary measure.
5. Challenges and future prospects:
– The oral bioavailability and survivability of probiotics in the gut remain challenges.
– Long-term safety studies and regulatory requirements must be fulfilled before probiotic engineering can be used in broad clinical application.
Conclusion:
Probiotics, especially genetically modified probiotic strains, show promising approaches for the treatment of IBD. They can regulate inflammatory processes, stabilize the microbiome and strengthen the intestinal barrier. While preclinical data are promising, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these therapies.