Probiotics in preterm infants: a controversial issue

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Erika Isolauri

Abstract

Current research is directed toward innovative dietary compositions that exert specific effects on health promotion and reducing the risk of diseases. For example, the demonstration that the gut microbiota is an important constituent in the intestine's mucosal barrier has led to new therapeutic strategies for infections as well as allergic and inflammatory conditions. Specific probiotic bacteria have been shown to stabilize the gut microbial environment and the intestine's permeability barrier, and to enhance systemic and mucosal IgA responses. These comprise important targets in the preterm infant, who is particularly susceptible to infection and inflammation and in whom the immature enterocyte responds to intraluminal antigens with proinflammatory cytokines. Recent data point to differences in immunomodulatory effects between candidate probiotic bacteria. Each probiotic strain is a unique component itself, and each strain has specific properties that cannot be extrapolated from other, even closely related, strains. Therefore, these properties of probiotic bacteria should be characterized during preclinical and clinical evaluations. Furthermore, because probiotics are a tool with which to modify the gut barrier and microbiota,...Continue Reading

References

Jun 2, 2001·FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·E C Claud, W A Walker
Jun 29, 2004·European Journal of Nutrition·John H CummingsBernhard Watzl
Oct 4, 2005·The British Journal of Nutrition·Kirsi LaitinenErika Isolauri
May 19, 2006·Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·Hania SzajewskaStefano Guandalini
May 19, 2006·Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·Miguel GueimondeSeppo Salminen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.