Probiotics could help against inflammation

Data from a recent study, published in the August issue of the Public Library of Science Pathogens, has shown an anti-inflammatory and pathogen-protection benefit for Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.

The study examined the effect of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 administration on Salmonella typhimurium, harmful bacteria that can cause intestinal infections and trigger the body's inflammatory response. The bifidobacterium, a probiotic strain isolated from healthy human gastrointestinal tissue, was administered to mice in freeze-dried powder at least three weeks prior to salmonella infection. Animals that received the powder showed dramatically increased numbers of certain immune cells that control the immune system response to harmful pathogens, in this case Salmonella.

Additionally, data show increased numbers of T-regulatory cells, which suppress inflammatory disease in a wide range of autoimmune conditions. A dose of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 resulted in the induction of Treg cells, which protected the host from excessive inflammation during the course of infection. Researchers concluded that the introduction of the bacteria results in enhanced protection from infection, while limiting pro-inflammatory damage caused by superfluous activation of the innate immune system.