Probiotics and Prebiotics for the Amelioration of Type 1 Diabetes: Present and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Type 1-diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta (β)-cells. Genetic and environmental interactions play an important role in immune system malfunction by priming an aggressive adaptive immune response against β-cells. The microbes inhabiting the human intestine closely interact with the enteric mucosal immune system. Gut microbiota colonization and immune system maturation occur in parallel during early years of life; hence, perturbations in the gut microbiota can impair the functions of immune cells and vice-versa. Abnormal gut microbiota perturbations (dysbiosis) are often detected in T1D subjects, particularly those diagnosed as multiple-autoantibody-positive as a result of an aggressive and adverse immunoresponse. The pathogenesis of T1D involves activation of self-reactive T-cells, resulting in the destruction of β-cells by CD8+ T-lymphocytes. It is also becoming clear that gut microbes interact closely with T-cells. The amelioration of gut dysbiosis using specific probiotics and prebiotics has been found to be associated with decline in the autoimmune response (with diminished inflammation) and gut integrity (through increased expression of tight-junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium). This review discusses the potential interactions between gut microbiota and immune mechanisms that are involved in the progression of T1D and contemplates the potential effects and prospects of gut microbiota modulators, including probiotic and prebiotic interventions, in the amelioration of T1D pathology, in both human and animal models.

Acetate and Butyrate Improve β-cell Metabolism and Mitochondrial Respiration under Oxidative Stress

“…This is, to the best of our knowledge, a new mechanism by which dietary fiber intake can contribute to lowering of the long list of Western diseases. The lower intake of dietary fiber by consumers in Western countries compared to more traditional societies has been suggested to be one of the major causes of the increasing occurrence of both type 1 and 2 diabetes [47]. Previous studies explained the effects of dietary fiber intake and the lowering of diabetes in consumers as an attenuating effect on inflammatory cells, inhibition of absorption of glucose and fat in the intestine, and increased insulin sensitivity [48,49].…”

Correlations between Microbiota Bioactivity and Bioavailability of Functional Compounds: A Mini-Review

“…Increasing the synthesis of small-chain fatty acids due to the presence of probiotics seems to be a possible way of influencing the colon homeostasis by activating the free fatty acid receptors involved in regulating the immune system and secreting glucagon-like peptides-1 (GLP-1), which stimulates insulin secretion in pancreatic cells. In this way, autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes can be managed [56].…”

A human-origin probiotic cocktail ameliorates aging-related leaky gut and inflammation via modulating the microbiota/taurine/tight junction axis

“…Probiotics are live microorganisms, which -when administered in adequate amounts -confer a health benefit on the host (12). Probiotics are one of the most accepted strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and normalize dysbiosis (13)(14)(15)(16)(17); therefore, we posit that probiotic therapy can maintain healthy gut microbiota and reduce leaky gut and inflammation. Several preclinical studies have shown that some specific probiotic strains may improve intestinal permeability homeostasis (18,19) and inflammation (20,21).…”

“…Several preclinical studies have shown that some specific probiotic strains may improve intestinal permeability homeostasis (18,19) and inflammation (20,21). Multiple studies also suggest that probiotics are beneficial for several human diseases, including obesity and diabetes (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(21)(22)(23); however, the origin of such probiotics remains largely unknown. Probiotics isolated from a human body source are recommended to be used in clinical practice.…”