The Role of Probiotics in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic and multifactorial disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, with a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, immunological factors, and gut microbiota imbalances playing a role in their pathogenesis. In recent years, gut dysbiosis has emerged as a central factor in the initiation and progression of intestinal inflammation. Probiotics, as live beneficial microorganisms, may help control IBD through mechanisms such as competition with pathogens, production of antimicrobial compounds, strengthening the mucosal barrier, reducing permeability, modulating immune responses, and decreasing inflammatory cytokines. This review was conducted to investigate the role of probiotics in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and to elucidate their mechanisms of action, specifically through inhibiting pathogen adhesion to host cells. The reviewed findings indicate that probiotics can reduce symptoms, decrease relapse rates, regulate microbiota, and improve mucosal inflammation, thereby contributing to sustained remission. However, existing clinical evidence is heterogeneous, and the effectiveness of probiotics in ulcerative colitis is generally reported to be greater than in Crohn's disease. Overall, probiotics may serve as a safe, complementary, and promising approach in IBD management; however, high-quality clinical trials are necessary to determine effective strains, appropriate dosages, and precise mechanisms of action.

کلیدواژه ها:

Inflammatory bowel disease ، probiotics ، ulcerative colitis ، Crohn's disease ، dysbiosis ، gut microbiot