Recent findings on the role and potential of L. reuteri in the therapy of GIT diseases
Probiotics contain bacterial or yeast strains similar to beneficial types naturally occurring in the human gastrointestinal tract. Their role in the therapy of gastrointestinal diseases has been extensively researched, demonstrating significant effects on a number of nosological units. One modality of probiotic therapy involves the administration of the bacteria L. reuteri, specifically the laboratory-modified strain DSM 17938.
Introduction
Among the most studied and commonly used probiotic bacteria and yeast strains are the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (recently renamed Limosilactobacillus reuteri) was created from the original probiotic strain ATC 55730, which was isolated around 1990. The difference from the original commonly used probiotic is the absence of two plasmids carrying genes for antibiotic resistance.
Mechanism of action of L. reuteri
L. reuteri colonizes various sites in the human body, including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), urinary tract, vagina, skin, and breast milk. Interest in probiotics has recently increased, particularly concerning the prevention and treatment of GIT symptoms and diseases in adults and children. L. reuteri adheres to the intestinal epithelium, creates proteins capable of binding mucus, thereby reducing the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, and remodels and balances the composition of the intestinal microbiome. In addition, it produces antimicrobial substances and supports the development and function of regulatory T lymphocytes, thus strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing the penetration of microorganisms from the intestinal lumen into tissues.
Summary of findings from existing studies
L. reuteri is among the probiotics with well-documented effects on certain gastrointestinal diseases. Literature review from 2011 to 2021 focused on the effectiveness of L. reuteri in the therapy of gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation in adults and children to support the choice of the best probiotic for treating these unpleasant symptoms, which often lead to emergency room visits.
Several clinical studies have shown that L. reuteri modulates the intestinal microbiome, helps eliminate infections, alleviates GIT symptoms of enterocolitis, antibiotic-induced diarrhea (including treatment of infection caused by Helicobacter pylori), irritable bowel syndrome, nonspecific intestinal inflammations, and chronic constipation. In children and adults, it shortens the duration of infectious diarrhea and alleviates abdominal pain in patients with colitis or nonspecific intestinal inflammations. It can also alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia and gastritis in patients with H. pylori infection. It improves intestinal motility in chronic constipation. It may reduce pain in infantile colic and functional GIT discomfort in children.
Conclusion
Results from published studies suggest that Limosilactobacillus reuteri plays a key role in maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiota composition. Numerous works have demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of administering this probiotic strain in the prevention and therapy of various gastrointestinal diseases in children and adults.
(holi)
Sources:
1. Wilkins T., Sequoia J. Probiotics for gastrointestinal conditions: a summary of the evidence. Am Fam Physician 2017; 96 (3): 170–178.
2. Saviano A., Brigida M., Migneco A. et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in diarrhea and constipation: two sides of the same coin? Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57 (7): 643, doi: 10.3390/medicina57070643.
Did you like this article? Would you like to comment on it? Write to us. We are interested in your opinion. We will not publish it, but we will gladly answer you.
