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Does probiotics administration decrease serum endotoxin levels in infants?

M Urao1, T Fujimoto, G J Lane

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|March 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics significantly altered infant gut microbiota, increasing beneficial anaerobic bacteria and decreasing harmful pathogens. This shift led to a notable reduction in serum endotoxin levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Intestinal flora imbalance and endotoxemia are linked to various infant health issues.
  • Potentially pathogenic microorganisms can increase endotoxin production, impacting infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of probiotic administration on the intestinal flora ratio in infants.
  • To determine if probiotics can reduce serum endotoxin levels by modulating gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving nine infants with gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Oral administration of a specific probiotic mixture (Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium butyricum, Bacillus mesentericus) at 2 g/day for two weeks.
  • Analysis of fecal bacterial cultures (aerobic and anaerobic) and serum endotoxin levels.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in anaerobic bacteria, including Bifidobacterium, in fecal cultures.
  • A five-fold increase in the ratio of anaerobic to aerobic bacteria.
  • A significant decrease in serum endotoxin levels was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics effectively modulate infant intestinal flora, promoting anaerobic bacteria growth.
  • The observed decrease in serum endotoxin suggests reduced endotoxin translocation.
  • Probiotic intervention may be a strategy to mitigate risks associated with pathogenic microorganisms in infants.
Abstract

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