A novel study published in Gut Microbes conducted by Kaneka Probiotics and its affiliate, AB-BIOTICS, has discovered the molecular mechanisms by which its probiotic blend, i3.1, can support the gut-brain axis.
The companies conducted this study to assess the role of the proprietary blend in managing gut-brain disorders such as IBS, which includes Pedioccoccus acidilactici KABP 021 (CECT 7483), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 022 (CECT 7484) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 023 (CECT 7485).
During the study, researchers found that the probiotic blend could protect the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing the prevalence of the 'leaky gut' phenomenon.
Notably, Kaneka — in partnership with the Gastroenterology Unit of the University of Bologna — also clarified the molecular mechanisms that underpinned the nutraceutical's action on intestinal permeability.
Prioritising barrier function in IBS management
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common yet complex disorder operating through the gut-brain axis, with global estimates suggesting that 10% of the population struggle with it.
The condition can cause gastroinstestinal issues, inflammation and severe discomfort, while many experience inconsistent and unpredictable bowel movements.
A prevalent factor in IBS pathophysiology is its ability to increase intestinal permeability, otherwise known as 'leaky gut syndrome.'
Leaky gut syndrome can lead to the introduction of harmful molecules into the bloodstream, which has the potential to have a significant impact on long-term health if left unchecked.
Probiotics have long been used as an adjuvant treatment for people with IBS, so Kaneka Probiotics wanted to test if its i3.1 blend could benefit those with the condition.
Ex vivo study reveals probiotic mechanism of action
By utilising both biopsies from IBS patients and laboratory cell lines, researchers aimed to create a realistic model with appropriate variability to obtain the best results from this study.
Via the incubation of these ex vivo cells with i3.1, an increase in barrier function was reported — restoring it to levels comparable to healthy controls.
Notably, this was effect wasachieved in three hours, suggesting the fast-acting nature of the probiotic blend.
Cells incubated with the three probiotic strains also increased expression of β-actin genes, which are involved in the maintenance, structure and function of intestinal cells.
The probiotic blend could also boost gut health via CYP1A1, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of toxins introduced via the diet, as well as inflammatory byproducts — which are commonly found in the gut of an individual with IBS.
Furthermore, all three strains triggered the production of indole-3-lactic acid, a molecule known to activate CYP1A1.
These findings sugges that Kaneka's i3.1 probiotic blend has the capacity to reprogramme gene expression in the intestinal cells of IBS patients — facilitating the restoration of intestinal permeability.
"These findings reiforce the validity of previous clinical studies, which revealed that our i3.1 probiotic blend helps reduce stress-induced abdominal symptoms, while improving quality of life for IBS patients," commented AB-BIOTICS Director of Innovation, Jordi Espadaler-Mazo.
"The strains in i3.1 were specifically selected for their potential to target the kay pathophysiological factors of IBS — namely increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and IBS-specific gut dysbiosis. Understanding more about the intestinal impact of these strains is central to our precision probiotics approach, further building on the body of evidence for next-generation solutions for those with IBS," he added.
