Effect of Probiotics on the Gut Microbiota After Colonoscopy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Colonoscopy can significantly alter gut microbiota composition.
• Limited consensus exists on the precise impact of colonoscopy on the gut microbiome.
• Potential for pathogenic bacterial overgrowth post-procedure necessitates investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in mitigating gut microbiota disturbances after colonoscopy.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on post-colonoscopy abdominal symptoms.
• To investigate probiotic influence on gut microbiota diversity and metabolic pathways.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 301 participants.
• Probiotic group received Bacillus Subtilis and Enterococcus Faecium capsules post-colonoscopy for 28 days.
• Gut microbiota composition analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing; symptom severity assessed using GSRS.

Main Results:

• Colonoscopy induced significant changes in gut microbiota diversity (α and β).
• Probiotic intervention enriched beneficial Lactobacillales and improved gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) scores.
• Probiotic group showed reduced abdominal discomfort duration and enhanced glucose metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Probiotic supplementation effectively counteracts colonoscopy-induced gut microbiota alterations.
• Probiotics promote beneficial bacterial shifts and improve associated metabolic functions.
• Early improvement in abdominal discomfort was observed with probiotic use post-colonoscopy.