In the quest to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition marked by intestinal inflammation and disrupted gut microbiota, researchers have turned to the promising potential of probiotics. A recent study published in *Scientific Reports* (translated from Chinese as “Scientific Reports”) sheds light on the therapeutic benefits of novel probiotic strains, offering hope for more effective treatments and significant commercial implications for the agritech and healthcare sectors.
The study, led by Kung Ahn of HuNBiome Co., Ltd’s R&D Center, investigated the effects of candidate probiotic strains belonging to Bifidobacterium longum and Limosilactobacillus species in a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The findings reveal that these probiotic strains not only alleviate colitis symptoms but also restore gut microbial balance and modulate microbial metabolic functions.
“Our primary objective was to determine whether ingestion of these strains alleviates colitis symptoms and, if so, to elucidate how they restored gut microbial balance and modulated microbial metabolic functions,” Ahn explained. The results were promising, with most probiotic-treated groups showing significantly improved colitis disease activity index scores and preserved colon length. Strains CBA7106 and BBH exhibited efficacy comparable to that of the well-known probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, used as a positive control.
Histological analyses further confirmed reduced inflammation and enhanced mucosal integrity in the probiotic-treated groups. Microbial diversity assessments demonstrated a marked restoration of gut microbial composition, highlighted by increased abundances of beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Metabolomic profiling identified key anti-inflammatory metabolites, including 6-hydroxycaproic acid, indole-3-lactic acid, and choline, which were significantly elevated in the probiotic-treated groups.
One of the most intriguing findings was the sustained decrease in the siderophore biosynthesis pathway, a mechanism by which pathogenic bacteria aggravate intestinal inflammation. “These candidate probiotic strains may inhibit siderophore production, a pivotal mechanism by which pathogenic bacteria aggravate intestinal inflammation,” Ahn noted.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the agritech and healthcare sectors. As the global market for probiotics continues to grow, the development of targeted probiotic therapies for IBD could open new avenues for commercial opportunities. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of probiotics as a complementary approach to restoring intestinal health and reducing inflammation.
While further clinical studies are warranted to validate these observations in human populations, the findings underscore the importance of continued research in this field. As Ahn and his team at HuNBiome Co., Ltd continue to explore the therapeutic potential of these probiotic strains, the future of IBD treatment looks increasingly promising. This research not only advances our understanding of gut microbiota and its role in intestinal health but also paves the way for innovative commercial applications in the agritech and healthcare industries.