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Probiotic mixture VSL#3: An overview of basic and clinical studies in chronic diseases
Fang-Shu Cheng1, Dan Pan2, Bing Chang3
1Department of Dermatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
Abstract:
Probiotics are known as "live microorganisms" and have been proven to have a health effect on hosts at the proper dose. Recently, a kind of probiotic mixture including eight live bacterial strains, VSL#3, has attracted considerable attention for its combined effect. VSL#3 is the only probiotic considered as a kind of medical food; it mainly participates in the regulation of the intestinal barrier function, including improving tight junction protein function, balancing intestinal microbial composition, regulating immune-related cytokine expression and so on. The objective of this review is to discuss the treatment action and mechanism for the administration of VSL#3 in chronic diseases of animals and humans (including children). We found that VSL#3 has a therapeutic or preventive effect in various systemic diseases per a large number of studies, including digestive systemic diseases (gastrointestinal diseases and hepatic diseases), obesity and diabetes, allergic diseases, nervous systemic diseases, atherosclerosis, bone diseases, and female reproductive systemic diseases.
Insights
VSL#3, a probiotic mixture, acts as a medical food to regulate gut health and immune responses. It shows therapeutic potential across various chronic conditions in humans and animals, including digestive, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits at adequate doses.
- VSL#3 is a unique probiotic mixture of eight bacterial strains, recognized as a medical food.
- VSL#3 modulates intestinal barrier function, microbial balance, and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic actions and mechanisms of VSL#3 in chronic diseases.
- To discuss the efficacy of VSL#3 in both animal and human subjects, including children.
- To consolidate evidence on VSL#3's role in diverse systemic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating VSL#3 administration.
- Analysis of research on VSL#3's impact on intestinal barrier function.
- Examination of studies detailing VSL#3's effects on microbial composition and immune markers.
Main Results:
- VSL#3 demonstrates therapeutic or preventive effects in numerous chronic diseases.
- Positive outcomes observed in digestive (gastrointestinal, hepatic), metabolic (obesity, diabetes), and allergic diseases.
- Evidence supports VSL#3's role in nervous, cardiovascular, bone, and reproductive systemic diseases.
Conclusions:
- VSL#3 exhibits broad therapeutic potential for a wide range of chronic systemic diseases.
- Its mechanisms involve enhancing intestinal barrier integrity and modulating host immunity.
- VSL#3 represents a promising intervention for managing complex health conditions.
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