GUT MICROBIOTA MODULATION AS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR INTESTINAL INFLAMMATORY DISEASES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n12-209Keywords:
Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases, Environmental Factors, Microbiota, Treatment, Food and Water SecurityAbstract
The intestinal microbiota represents a functional extension of the host genome, providing non-encoded enzymes and proteins essential for metabolism and physiological regulation. Dysbiosis and the consequent disruption of intestinal barrier are key contributors to the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Beyond conventional therapies, gut microbiota modulation has emerged as a promising strategy for IBD managing. However, its succes depends on a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms, potential risks and therapeutic benefits, to ensure informed decision making by both clinicians and patients. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive and systematic literature review on microbiota-targeted interventions in adult patients with CD and UC. Twenty-one studies were analyzed: six focusing on CD and 15 on UC. The interventions included fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), dietary supplementation with probiotics, probiotic-derived fractions, prebiotics, synbiotics, and plant-based diets. The most frequent outcomes were clinical remission and symptom reduction, with adverse effects generally mild and well tolerated. Across studies, microbiota modulation was associated with increased beneficial bacteria genera, higher short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, gut microbiota modulation appears to restore mucosal barrier integrity, alleviate dysbiosis, and attenuate intestinal inflammation, supporting its potential as viable therapeutic strategy for preventing and managing IBD, particularly CD and UC.
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