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Probiotics

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...

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Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Positive interactions with the microbiota: probiotics.

Marko Kalliomäki¹, Seppo Salminen, Erika Isolauri

¹Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. marko.kalliomaki@utu.fi

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|October 10, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Revised criteria for selecting probiotics are proposed, leveraging new molecular technologies to detail gut microbiota and probiotic strains. These advancements aid in understanding probiotics

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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

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Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Immunology
Genetics

Background:

Probiotic research is relatively new, despite century-old observations of beneficial gut bacteria.
Defining criteria for probiotics has been essential for rigorous scientific scrutiny.
Recent molecular technologies offer detailed insights into gut microbiota and probiotic strains.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose revised criteria for the selection of probiotics.
To highlight the role of probiotics in maintaining intestinal equilibrium and enhancing the gut mucosal barrier.
To explore the application of genetic engineering in modifying probiotics for inflammatory conditions.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on probiotics and gut microbiota.
Application of novel molecular technologies for strain and target characterization.
Analysis of clinical studies on probiotic efficacy.

Main Results:

Probiotics can maintain intestinal equilibrium by enhancing the gut mucosal barrier.
Probiotic action involves the manipulation of host and microbial gene expression.
Clinical studies show promise for probiotics in conditions like atopic eczema.

Conclusions:

Revised criteria are needed for effective probiotic selection.
Probiotics offer therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions.
Genetic engineering can enhance probiotic functionalities.