Title:Gut Microbiota and Autoimmune Diseases: A Charming Real World
Together with Probiotics
Volume: 29
Issue: 18
Author(s): Andrea Piccioni, Sara Cicchinelli*, Federico Valletta, Giulio De Luca, Yaroslava Longhitano, Marcello Candelli, Veronica Ojetti, Francesco Sardeo, Simone Navarra, Marcello Covino and Francesco Franceschi
Affiliation:
- Emergency Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Keywords:
Probiotics, microbiota, dysbiosis, eubiosis, autoimmunity, immune-mediated diseases.
Abstract:
Background: The role of gut microbiota in human disease is fascinating for
hundreds of researchers worldwide. Many works have highlighted that gut microbiota
modulates the immune system and that its disruption can trigger autoimmune and inflammatory
immune-mediated diseases. Probiotics are able to positively modify microbiota
composition.
Objective: The aim of this review is to report the most important findings regarding the
effects of probiotics administration in the most common autoimmune disease and inflammatory
immune-mediated diseases.
Methods: Literature research was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline, as
well as in specific journal websites using the keywords: “autoimmunity”, “microbiota”,
and “probiotics”. The article selection has been made independently by three authors, and
controversies have been solved by a fourth researcher. Only English-language articles
were included and preference was given to clinical trials, meta-analysis, and case series.
After the review process, 68 articles have been considered.
Results: Relying on this evidence, many studies have investigated the potential of probiotics
in restoring gut eubiosis, thus affecting pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and
course of these pathologies. Even in the light of few and sometimes contradictory studies,
physicians should start to consider these preliminary findings when approaching patients
suffering from autoimmune disease. After an accurate case-by-case evaluation of potential
candidates, probiotics might be introduced besides the standard therapeutic plan as
supportive measures.