Effect of Probiotics on the Frequency of CD4+ T-Cells in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background Depletion of CD4+ T-cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue is the hallmark of HIV infection, with only partial restoration by potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). Gut dysbiosis, together with disruption of mucosal integrity contributes to chronic immune activation that further exacerbates the disease. Data from randomized controlled trials in pediatric HIV patients have indicated potential of probiotics in complementing routine ART in managing HIV-associated gastrointestinal complications. We have systematically extracted data from these trials and performed meta-analysis to quantify the effect of probiotics on CD4+ T-cell counts and any adverse events associated with their supplementation. Methods A systematic search through multiple databases yielded three studies that were pooled using fixed-effect model. Risk of bias assessment was done by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results Included studies had moderate risk of bias and Egger’s statistics revealed no publication bias (p > 0.05). Pooled analysis showed significant improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts, with mean difference, 123.92 (95% CI: 104.36–143.48), p < 0.0001, no heterogeneity (I2=0) among the included trials. Subgroup analysis also depicted improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts irrespective of treatment duration, in both ART naïve and treated patients. No adverse effects with probiotic consumption were reported. Conclusions Probiotics supplementation led to an improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts among HIV-infected children with no observed adverse effects. Despite the inherent limitations of included studies, our systematic review would justify more well-designed, large-scale trials in children, which may guide pediatricians on whether to incorporate probiotics as an adjunct therapy to routine ART.

Effect of intake of probiotics and probiotic fermented foods on clinical outcomes among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The predicted pooled MD of CD4 count following supplementation was only beneficial in children but not among adults. These findings were consistent with the trend in included primary studies [16,34,47], as well as in a previously published review paper [25]. One potential explanation is biological variation [52].…”

“…Recently published meta-analyses focused on adults reported that probiotics had no effect on CD4 lymphocyte counts [22][23][24]. One metaanalysis of studies among children and adolescents only found that probiotics improved CD4 lymphocyte counts [25]. These meta-analyses did not however consider the HAART status of the participants and duration of probiotic supplementation.…”

Metformin, Microbiota and Health

“…Pharmacogenomic data on metformin absorption and excretion added an important tool to predict patients' responses to the presence of metformin, and how this could impact microbiota. The role of probiotics and prebiotics as adjuvants to the antidiabetic action of metformin through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota has been widely studied, while its impact on HIV infection 316 and neurodegenerative diseases 317 is still under debate, thus more studies would be necessary. The understanding of the interplay of so many factors on patients' outcome for several diseases is highly complex, and more correlations should be explored.…”