Biotic therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: current interventions

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder.
• The gut-brain-microbiome (GBM) axis is increasingly recognized for its role in IBS pathophysiology.
• Understanding microbiota's influence on the GI and central nervous systems is crucial for IBS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review interventions targeting the GBM axis for IBS treatment in adults.
• To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in managing IBS symptoms.
• To highlight specific microbial strains and their impact on IBS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of clinical trials investigating probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in adult IBS patients.
• Analysis of outcomes including symptom frequency, abdominal pain severity, stool consistency, bloating, and gut-related anxiety.
• Focus on interventions modulating the gut-brain-microbiome axis.

Main Results:

• Probiotics, particularly Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium strains, significantly reduced IBS symptom frequency and abdominal pain severity.
• Synbiotics demonstrated significant improvements in abdominal pain, bowel habit satisfaction, and reduced gut-related anxiety.
• Prebiotic trials showed variable benefits, with less significant outcomes compared to probiotics and synbiotics.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics and synbiotics are effective in managing IBS symptoms, with specific strains like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli showing notable efficacy.
• These interventions targeting the GBM axis offer a promising therapeutic avenue for IBS.
• Further research is warranted to establish the long-term benefits of these microbiome-targeted therapies for IBS.