Microbiota and Probiotics: The Role of Limosilactobacillus Reuteri in Diverticulitis

Abstract

The microbiota is the set of commensal microorganisms, residing in the organism, helping proper functioning of organs and systems. The role that the microbiota plays in maintaining the health of vertebrates is widely accepted, particularly in the gastrointestinal system, where it is fundamental for immunity, development, and conversion of nutrients. Dysbiosis is an alteration of the microbiota which refers to a disturbed balance, which can cause a number of pathologies. Probiotics have proven to be effective in modulating the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system and, therefore, in promoting the health of the individual. In particular, Lactobacilli are a group of Gram-positive bacteria, which are able to produce lactic acid through glucose metabolism. They are present in different microenvironments, ranging from the vagina, to the mouth, to different tracts of the small intestine. In the present review, we will discuss the use of Limosilactobacillus in human health in general and more specifically in diverticulitis. In particular we analyze the role of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and its anti-inflammatory action. For this review, articles were identified using the electronic PubMed database through a comprehensive search, conducted by combining key terms such as “diverticulitis”, “Limosilactobacillus reuteri”, “human health and disease”, “probiotics”. We selected all the articles published in the last 10 years and screened 1017 papers. Articles referenced in the screened papers were evaluated if considered interesting for our topic. Probiotics have proven to be effective in modulating the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system and, therefore, in promoting the health of the individual. The importance of probiotics in treating diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis can be further understood if taking into consideration some pathophysiological aspects, associated to the microbiota. L. reuteri plays an important role in human health and disease. The effectiveness of L. reuteri in stimulating a correct bowl motility partly explains its effectiveness in treating diverticulitis. The most important action of L. reuteri is probably its immunomodulating activity. Levels of IL-6, IL-8, and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) are reduced after supplementation with different strands of Lactobacilli, while T-regulatory cells increase in number and activity. Anyway, new mechanisms of action of probiotics come to light from the many investigations currently taking place in numerous centres around the world and to improve how exactly probiotic administration could make the difference in the management of diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis.

The role of probiotics in vaginal health

“…A large number of studies have proved that oral probiotics can treat a variety of digestive system diseases. Lactobacillus , as the most dominant bacterial species in the vaginal microenvironment, can maintain or change the vaginal microecological balance ( Łaniewski et al., 2020 ; Piccioni et al., 2021 ). In this review, we focus on the role of probiotics in maintaining vaginal health in women.…”

Analysis of Knowledge on Probiotics Among Adults Living in the Biała Podlaska County (Lublin Voivodship)

“…Numerous data demonstrate the impact of probiotics on human health and the potential for their use in the prevention and treatment of many diseases [5,8,10,16,[27][28][29][30]. Probiotic preparations are recognized as safe for health.…”

“…Probiotic microorganisms include mainly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus) and Bifidobacterium genera (B. animalis), but also Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Carnobacterium, Oenococcus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus, Weissella and Bacillus. Other microorganisms classified as probiotics are yeasts, including Saccharomyces boulardii [1,2,[8][9][10]. The use of a given microorganism for probiotic therapy is preceded by studies confirming that it meets complex criteria for probiotics, including strain safety, functionality, efficacy of administration, dose and technological suitability [1,2].…”

“…Saccharomyces boulardii is used in the prevention and treatment of post-antibiotic diarrhea in children and adults, support the removal of bacterial toxins and influence the sealing of the intestinal epithelium. The efficacy of probiotics in treating bacterial and viral diarrhea, constipation, relieving intestinal inflammation, reducing the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, preventing and treating genitourinary tract infections in women, and strengthening the intestinal barrier has been confirmed [1,5,8,10,[13][14][15][16]. Probiotics have also been credited with contributing to the regulation of the immune system, respiratory system, treatment of atopic dermatitis, and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli [1,4,16].…”

Microbial and metabolic profiles of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and therapeutic effects of potential probiotics Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium bifidum

“…In recent years, research on probiotics has attracted increasing attention. Lactobacilli are a class of gram‐positive bacteria that produce lactic acid through glucose metabolism (Piccioni et al, 2021). Lactobacillus reuteri , recently renamed Limosilactobacillus reuteri , was shown to improve the pulmonary immune environment by regulating specific gut microbiota, thus reducing the risk of asthma (An et al, 2020).…”