Probiotic bacteria influence the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota - PubMed (original) (raw)

Probiotic bacteria influence the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota

Paul W O'Toole et al. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis. 2008.

Abstract

Probiotics have a range of proposed health benefits for the consumer, which may include modulating the levels of beneficial elements in the microbiota. Recent investigations using molecular approaches have revealed a human intestinal microbiota comprising over 1000 phylotypes. Mechanisms whereby probiotics impact on the intestinal microbiota include competition for substrates, direct antagonism by inhibitory substances, competitive exclusion, and potentially host-mediated effects such as improved barrier function and altered immune response. We now have the microbial inventories and genetic blueprints to begin tackling intestinal microbial ecology at an unprecedented level of detail, aided by the understanding that dietary components may be utilized differentially by individual phylotypes. Controlled intervention studies in humans, utilizing latest molecular technologies, are required to consolidate evidence for bacterial species that impact on the microbiota. Mechanistic insights should be provided by metabolomics and other analytical techniques for small molecules. Rigorous characterization of interactions between the diet, microbiota, and probiotic bacteria will provide new opportunities for modulating the microbiota towards improving human health.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Schematic diagram illustrating potential or known mechanisms whereby probiotic bacteria might impact on the microbiota. These mechanisms include (1) competition for dietary ingredients as growth substrates, (2) bioconversion of, for example, sugars into fermentation products with inhibitory properties, (3) production of growth substrates, for example, EPS or vitamins, for other bacteria, (4) direct antagonism by bacteriocins, (5) competitive exclusion for binding sites, (6) improved barrier function, (7) reduction of inflammation, thus altering intestinal properties for colonization and persistence within, and (8) stimulation of innate immune response (by unknown mechanisms). IEC: epithelial cells, DC: dendritic cells, T:T-cells. For further details, see main text.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Metchnikoff E. The Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies. London, UK: William Heinemann; 1907.
    1. Metchnikoff E. The Nature of Man: Studies in Optimistic Philosophy. London, UK: William Heinemann; 1908.
    1. FAO/WHO. Health and nutritional properties of probiotics in food including powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria. October 2001, Cordoba, Argentina. Report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation on evaluation of health and nutritional properties of probiotics in food including powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria, http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/fs_management/en/probiotics.pdf.
    1. Fuller R. Probiotics in man and animals. Journal of Applied Bacteriology. 1989;66(5):365–378. - PubMed
    1. Guarner F, Schaafsma GJ. Probiotics. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 1998;39(3):237–238. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources