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Allergologia Et Immunopathologia 2022The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on allergic rhinitis (AR). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on allergic rhinitis (AR).
METHODS
Collecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with probiotics as intervention measures for AR, two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies, and used RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis to observe the effects of probiotics on Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQLQ) scores, Rhinitis Total Symptom Scores (RTSS), blood eosinophil count, total and antigen-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels by using the fixed- or the random-effects model to calculate the pooled risk for significant heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 2708 patients were included in 30 RCTs. Meta-analysis results showed that the RQLQ global scores (mean difference [MD] = -9.43; P < 0.00001), RQLQ nasal scores (MD = -1.52; P = 0.03), and RTSS nasal scores (MD = -1.96; P = 0.02) significantly improved in the probiotic group when compared with those in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in blood eosinophil count (MD = -0.09; P=0.82), RQLQ eye scores (MD = -1.45; P = 0.07), RTSS global scores (MD = -2.24; P = 0.26), RTSS eye scores (MD = -0.39; P = 0.31), total and antigen-specific serum IgE levels (MD = -0.04; P = 0.7 and MD = -0.08; P = 0.81) between the probiotic and the placebo group.
CONCLUSION
Compared with the placebo group, the quality of life and symptoms of patients with AR significantly improved in the probiotic group, thus providing a new potential method for the application of probiotics in AR. However, because of the limited evidence for the current study outcomes, the heterogeneity of research, and the differences in research results, more high-quality studies are needed to in the future.
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Probiotics; Quality of Life; Rhinitis; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 35527653
DOI: 10.15586/aei.v50i3.507 -
Journal of Occupational Health 2023Prolonged and constant stress from work often leads to numerous adverse health effects. In recent years, interest in probiotics, living microorganisms that can benefit... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prolonged and constant stress from work often leads to numerous adverse health effects. In recent years, interest in probiotics, living microorganisms that can benefit their host when consumed in adequate amounts, to aid health and well-being has increased. This scoping review is to systematically evaluate the current state of science on the effects of probiotic supplements on health, stress, and stress-related symptoms among working adults in occupational settings.
METHODS
We performed a systematic scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Studies that examined the effects of probiotics on workers' health and stress-related indicators/outcomes in occupational settings were included. A comprehensive search was performed from November 2021 to January 2022 using MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Embase.
RESULTS
A total of 14 papers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Probiotics consisted primarily of Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium strains in various forms and doses. Three out of eight studies reported statistical differences in inflammatory markers or stress hormone levels between probiotic and placebo groups. Three of six reported reduced respiratory tract infection incidents in the probiotic groups and three out of four studies reported no differences in anxiety and depression between groups. Lastly, three studies found that absenteeism and presentism were lower in probiotic groups compared with placebo groups.
CONCLUSION
The potential benefits of probiotics exist; however, the measurements of outcomes, the types of probiotics used, and the characteristics of the intervention varied across studies. Further research is needed focusing on probiotics' direct and indirect mechanisms of action on the stress response and the standardization of strains and dosing.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Occupational Health; Probiotics; Lactobacillus; Absenteeism; Anxiety
PubMed: 37218068
DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12404 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2023This review aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance and performance-related conditions in athletes by evaluating randomized controlled... (Review)
Review
This review aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance and performance-related conditions in athletes by evaluating randomized controlled studies from the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) databases. From a total of 2304 relevant articles, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies concern endurance athletes, one to rugby players, three refer to non-specified athletes, one to badminton players, and one involves baseball players. The evidence suggests that the integration of athletes' diets with some bacterial strains and also the consumption of multi-strain compounds may lead to an improvement in performance and can positively affect performance-related aspects such as fatigue, muscle pain, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, the type of supplementation and sport is very variable among the studies examined. Therefore, to obtain more solid evidence, further controlled and comparable studies are needed to expand the research regarding the possible repercussions of probiotics use on athletes' performance.
Topics: Humans; Athletic Performance; Athletes; Probiotics; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Fatigue
PubMed: 36767593
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032226 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Aug 2023Lifestyle changes and dietary intervention, including the use of probiotics, can modulate dysbiosis of gut microbiome and contribute to the management of type 2 diabetes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lifestyle changes and dietary intervention, including the use of probiotics, can modulate dysbiosis of gut microbiome and contribute to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy of metformin plus probiotics versus metformin alone on outcomes in patients with T2DM.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to February 2023 to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared the use of metformin plus probiotics versus metformin alone in adult patients with T2DM. Data were summarized as mean differences (MD) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and pooled under the random effects model.
FINDINGS
Fourteen RCTs (17 comparisons, 1009 patients) were included in this systematic review. Pooled results show a significant decrease in fasting glucose (FG) (MD = -0.64, 95 % CI = -1.06, -0.22) and HbA1c (MD = -0.29, 95 % CI = -0.47, -0.10) levels in patients with T2DM treated with metformin plus probiotics versus metformin alone. The addition of probiotics to metformin resulted in lower odds of gastrointestinal adverse events (Odds ratio = 0.18, 95 % CI = 0.09, 0.3.8; I = 0 %).
CONCLUSIONS
The addition of probiotics to metformin therapy is associated with improvement in T2DM outcomes. However, high-quality and adequately reported RCTs are needed in the future to confirm our findings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Metformin; Hypoglycemic Agents; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Probiotics; Fasting
PubMed: 37369280
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110806 -
Nutrients Nov 2022Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and yogurt consumption (a probiotic food) alter gut microbial diversity, which may influence colorectal carcinogenesis. This... (Review)
Review
Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and yogurt consumption (a probiotic food) alter gut microbial diversity, which may influence colorectal carcinogenesis. This systematic review evaluates the existing literature on the effect of these nutritional supplements and yogurt consumption on colorectal neoplasia incidence among adults. We systematically identified ten randomized controlled trials and observational studies in adults age ≥ 18 without baseline gastrointestinal disease. Prebiotics included inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, and β-glucans. Probiotics included bacterial strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Escherichia coli. Synbiotic supplements, a mixture of both prebiotic and probiotic supplements, and yogurt, a commonly consumed dietary source of live microbes, were also included. We defined colorectal neoplasia as colorectal adenomas, sessile serrated polyps, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Overall, findings suggest a moderate decrease in risk of adenoma and CRC for high levels of yogurt consumption compared to low or no consumption. Prebiotic supplementation was not associated with colorectal neoplasia risk. There was some evidence that probiotic supplementation may be associated with lower risk of adenomas but not with CRC incidence. Higher yogurt consumption may be associated with lower incidence of colorectal neoplasia. We found little evidence to suggest that prebiotic or probiotic supplements are associated with significant decreases in CRC occurrence.
Topics: Humans; Prebiotics; Yogurt; Synbiotics; Probiotics; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36432622
DOI: 10.3390/nu14224937 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Food allergy is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an abnormal immune response to harmless food antigens, which is influenced... (Review)
Review
Food allergy is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an abnormal immune response to harmless food antigens, which is influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Modulating the gut microbiota and immune system with probiotics or genetically modified probiotics confers health benefits to the host and offers a novel strategy for preventing and treating food allergy. This systematic review aims to summarize the current proof of the role of probiotics in food allergy and propose a promising future research direction of using probiotics as a possible strategy of treatment for food allergy.
Topics: Humans; Food Hypersensitivity; Immune System; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Allergens; Probiotics
PubMed: 37836443
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194159 -
Journal of Gastroenterology and... Oct 2023Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibit compositional changes in their gut microbiome, which represents a potential therapeutic target.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibit compositional changes in their gut microbiome, which represents a potential therapeutic target. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are microbiome-targeted therapies that have been proposed as treatment for NAFLD. We aim to systematically review the effects of these therapies in liver-related outcomes of NAFLD patients.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search in Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost from inception to August 19, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that treated NAFLD patients with prebiotics and/or probiotics. We meta-analyzed the outcomes using standardized mean difference (SMD) and assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test and I statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2 tool.
RESULTS
A total of 41 (18 probiotics, 17 synbiotics, and 6 prebiotics) RCTs were included. Pooled data demonstrated that the intervention had significantly improved liver steatosis (measured by ultrasound grading) (SMD: 4.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.27, 7.25), fibrosis (SMD: -0.61 kPa; 95% CI: -1.12, -0.09 kPa), and liver enzymes including alanine transaminase (SMD: -0.86 U/L; 95% CI: -1.16, -0.56 U/L), aspartate transaminase (SMD: -0.87 U/L; 95% CI: -1.22, -0.52 U/L), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (SMD: -0.77 U/L; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.29 U/L).
CONCLUSIONS
Microbiome-targeted therapies were associated with significant improvements in liver-related outcomes in NAFLD patients. Nevertheless, limitations in existing literature like heterogeneity in probiotic strains, dosage, and formulation undermine our findings. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022354562) and supported by the Nanyang Technological University Start-up Grant and Wang Lee Wah Memorial Fund.
Topics: Humans; Synbiotics; Prebiotics; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Probiotics
PubMed: 37409560
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16256 -
Nutrition Reviews Aug 2023Cognitive function is a significant concern among the elderly and has a major negative effect on their quality of life. Probiotics have a positive effect on improving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Cognitive function is a significant concern among the elderly and has a major negative effect on their quality of life. Probiotics have a positive effect on improving cognition, but the exact nature of the association between probiotic supplements and cognitive function is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate how probiotic supplements improve cognitive function.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted of the PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for all relevant studies published in English, with no date restrictions.
DATA EXTRACTION
The estimated, pooled results were analyzed with a standardized mean difference (SMD) and a corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Publication bias was analyzed by the Egger's and Begg's tests. Funnel plots were also constructed to assess the probability of publication bias. The robustness of the results was tested using the method of sequential removal and cumulation of each trial.
DATA ANALYSIS
Overall, the pooled SMD showed significant differences between the probiotic and placebo groups (SMD = 0.64; 95%CI, 0.15-1.12), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 92%). Subgroup analyses showed a significant effect of probiotics on cognition in the studies involving populations with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment (SMD = 1.34; 95%CI, 0.51-2.16; P < 0.01). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that single probiotic strains, receiving probiotic supplements over 12 weeks, and doses >1 × 109 CFU/g were more beneficial for improving cognitive impairment.
CONCLUSIONS
According to this meta-analysis, probiotic supplementation had a highly significant effect on cognitive function in people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. For people without cognitive impairment, probiotic supplementation may be ineffective.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics; Cognitive Dysfunction
PubMed: 36629438
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac113 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Nov 2023The early-life microbiome is formed during the perinatal period and is critical for infants' lifelong health. This is established by maternal-infant microbiome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of maternal probiotic supplementation on breast milk microbiome and infant gut microbiome and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
The early-life microbiome is formed during the perinatal period and is critical for infants' lifelong health. This is established by maternal-infant microbiome crosstalk, which is mediated by the breast milk microbiome. The milk microbiome is dependent on the maternal gut microbiome, suggesting that it could potentially be restored through oral probiotic supplements. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the effect of maternal probiotic supplements on breast milk and infant gut microbiome composition and on infant health.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases were searched until December 15, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials following the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (population: pregnant or lactating women; intervention: probiotics; control: placebo or follow-up; outcome: breast milk and infant gut microbiome composition and infant health) principles were included.
METHODS
Using a random effect model, the standard mean difference, risk difference, and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to measure each outcome. All analyses were conducted using the intention-to-treat approach. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I statistics.
RESULTS
The final data set included 24 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2761 mothers and 1756 infants. The overall effect of probiotics on the beneficial bacteria detection rate in breast milk had a risk difference of 24% (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.37; P<.001; I=91.12%). The pooled mean beneficial and pathogenic bacteria abundance in breast milk had a standard mean difference of 1.22 log colony forming units/mL (95% confidence interval, 0.48-1.97; P<.001; I=95.51%) and -1.05 log colony forming unites/mL (95% confidence interval, -1.99 to -0.12; P=.03; I=96.79%), respectively. The overall abundance of beneficial bacteria in the infant gut had a standard mean difference of 0.89 log colony forming units/g (95% confidence interval, 0.22-1.56; P=.01; I=95.01%). It also controlled infant weight gain (standard mean difference, -0.49 kg/equivalent age; 95% confidence interval, -0.82 to -0.17; P<.001; I=0.00%) and decreased the occurrence of infantile colic (risk ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.57; P<.001; I=0.00%).
CONCLUSION
Maternal probiotic supplements effectively orchestrate the breast milk and infant gut microbiome with a wide range of clinical benefits and safety. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii can be used as maternal supplements to promote infant health.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Infant; Female; Milk, Human; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Lactation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Probiotics; Microbiota; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37660760
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101148 -
Childhood Obesity (Print) Apr 2023Probiotics have been proposed as a prevention or treatment for pediatric overweight and obesity. Conduct a scoping review on probiotic use in children and adolescents... (Review)
Review
Probiotics have been proposed as a prevention or treatment for pediatric overweight and obesity. Conduct a scoping review on probiotic use in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity and those with weight-related conditions and to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities. Seven databases using keywords and medical subject heading terms for articles reporting probiotic use in children or adolescents with overweight or obesity published from database conception until initiation of the study. Articles reporting primary data on probiotics use in children or adolescents with overweight or obesity. We utilized the Arksey and O'Malley framework, PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, followed a predetermined study protocol for level-one abstract and level-two full-text screenings, synthesized information into subject-area domains, and identified research gaps. Heterogeneity of probiotic interventions, host factors, and genomics. Database search yielded 1356 unique articles with 19 randomized placebo-controlled studies, 945 participants, duration of interventions from 8 weeks to 9 months. Disease indications included Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, Prader-Willi Syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Limited and heterogeneous evidence for probiotic use in children and adolescents with weight-related conditions noted. Heterogeneity among published articles in probiotic strains, doses, design, biomarkers, confirmation, and outcomes observed. Despite complex existing and limited data, studies to date of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity demonstrate potential beneficial treatment effects of probiotics on BMI, adiposity, metabolic parameters, inflammatory markers, fatty liver, transaminase levels, and glucose metabolism. Clinical trials to address heterogeneous results are needed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Probiotics; Adiposity; Metabolic Syndrome
PubMed: 35723657
DOI: 10.1089/chi.2022.0059