Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2025
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics on pediatric asthma: a systematic review
Die Fan1, Jilei Hu1, Ning Lin1
1Clinical Nutrition, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Microbiota-targeted therapies like probiotics show promise in managing pediatric asthma by reducing exacerbations and improving lung function. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and explore prebiotic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Pediatric immunology
- Respiratory medicine
Background:
- Pediatric asthma is a growing global health concern with significant burdens.
- The gut-lung axis and microbiota dysbiosis are increasingly recognized in asthma pathogenesis.
- Microbiota-targeted therapies offer a novel therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in pediatric asthma.
- To evaluate the impact of these interventions on asthma control and related biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase) up to January 2025.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children and adolescents (<18 years) with asthma.
- Analysis of 18 studies (13 RCTs, n=2,419) focusing on microbiota-modulating agents.
Main Results:
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) significantly reduced asthma exacerbations and improved pulmonary function.
- Postbiotics (bacterial lysates) attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
- Synbiotics decreased viral infections and healthcare use; prebiotic efficacy remains understudied.
- Significant heterogeneity in dosing and duration, with a notable risk of bias in several studies.
Conclusions:
- Microbiota-targeted therapies demonstrate potential for pediatric asthma management.
- Standardized protocols, strain-specific research, and dedicated prebiotic studies are crucial.
- Future research should incorporate multi-omics for personalized intervention strategies.
Background:
Pediatric asthma, a prevalent chronic disease with rising global incidence, imposing substantial healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Emerging evidence highlights the gut-lung axis as a pivotal therapeutic target, with microbiota dysbiosis implicated in immune dysregulation and airway hyperresponsiveness. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in pediatric asthma management.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted up to 2nd January 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the therapeutic use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics in children and/or adolescents (<18 years) with asthma.
Results:
Eighteen studies (13 RCTs, n = 2,419 participants) were analyzed, focusing on children aged < 18 years. Probiotic interventions, predominantly Lactobacillus (5 studies) and Bifidobacterium (5 studies), demonstrated significant reductions in asthma exacerbations and improved pulmonary function, with strain-specific effects linked to Th2 cytokine suppression and gut-lung axis modulation. Postbiotics, including bacterial lysates (OM-85 BV, PMBL®), attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and systemic inflammation. Synbiotics reduced viral respiratory infections and healthcare utilization. However, there is still a lack of direct RCTs to explore the therapeutic effects of prebiotics on pediatric asthma. Key limitations include methodological heterogeneity (dosing: 108-1010 CFU/day; duration: 8 weeks-12 months) and risk of bias (3 low-risk, 12 with concerns).
Conclusion:
Our findings underscored the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies but highlight the need for standardized protocols, strain-specific trials, and pediatric prebiotic research. Future studies should integrate multi-omics to elucidate mechanisms and optimize personalized interventions.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025641318, identifier: CRD42025641318.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...