The Impact of Probiotics on Gut-Brain Axis in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Recent research highlights the critical role of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in the pathophysiology of IBS, suggesting that probiotics may serve as a therapeutic avenue. This study evaluated the impact of specific probiotic strains—Lactobacillus plantarum ۲۹۹v and Bifidobacterium infantis—on IBS symptoms, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and psychological well-being over ۱۲ weeks in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving ۱۶۰ patients. The probiotic group showed significant reductions in IBS Symptom Severity Scores, anxiety and depression levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-۶, TNF-α), along with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-۱۰ and normalization of cortisol patterns. Microbiota analysis revealed increased beneficial bacteria and decreased Proteobacteria in the probiotic group. These results support the hypothesis that probiotics improve IBS outcomes by modulating the gut-brain axis through microbiome restoration, immunoregulation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis balance. The findings encourage the use of targeted probiotic therapies as a non-pharmacological intervention in IBS management, with implications for both gastrointestinal and mental health care.

کلیدواژه ها:

Impact of Probiotics ، Gut-brain axis ، Irritable bowel syndrome ، HPA