Effect of a multistrain probiotic (Lactoflorene® Plus) on inflammatory parameters and microbiota composition in subjects with stress-related symptoms

Publication date: Available online 7 November 2018Source: Neurobiology of StressAuthor(s): Sara Soldi, Sara Carlotta Tagliacarne, Chiara Valsecchi, Simone Perna, Mariangela Rondanelli, Luigi Ziviani, Stefano Milleri, Ariella Annoni, Annamaria CastellazziAbstractStress affects the immune system and intestinal microbiota composition and can lead to imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines or to uncontrolled production of cytokines. The effect of emotional stress on secretory IgA levels also indicates that stress decreases mucosal integrity. Our aim was to evaluate whether a probiotic product (Lactoflorene® Plus) can prevent alterations in the immune response associated with self-reported stress and microbiota composition. Healthy adult volunteers who self-reported psychological stress were enrolled and randomised into a placebo and a probiotic group. Salivary stress markers (α-amylase, cortisol, chromogranin A) and immunological parameters (sIgA, NK cell activity, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) in feces and the composition of intestinal microbiota were evaluated. Administration of the product did not exert a direct effect on the salivary stress markers or NK cell activity but did reduce abdominal pain and increase faecal IgA and IL-10 levels. The probiotic product induced a moderate increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp., as expected, and in Faecalibacterium spp., and decreased the size of the Dialister spp. and Escherichia and Shigella populations. Administra...
Source: Neurobiology of Stress - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research