Microecology as a target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory bowel disease

The gastrointestinal tract is populated by several hundred grams of bacteria. Recognition of the symbiosis between bacteria and host is drawing particular attention to the implications of bacteria in human health. Probiotics are living microorganisms that upon ingestion in certain numbers exert health benefits. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth or activity of a limited number of gut bacteria. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the gut flora is the key factor driving the inflammatory process that leads to intestinal lesions. Interaction of certain commensal bacteria with the gut mucosa triggers mucosal inflammation. However, certain probiotic strains are able to downregulate inflammatory pathways. Restoring the microbial balance with prebiotics and probiotics offers promise for the control of IBD.