Probiotic Agents

Chapter 51 Probiotic Agents



Probiotic agents are living organisms with low or no pathogenicity that exert beneficial effects on the health of the host. The use of probiotic agents (Box 51-1) has been advocated for general health as well as the prevention and treatment of many disorders in humans and in domestic and nondomestic animals.1 Although controlled studies documenting the efficacy of probiotics in dogs and cats are relatively lacking, the strongest and most consistent evidence of beneficial effects resulting from probiotic administration has been related to prevention and therapy of disorders of the digestive system (Table 51-1).24 Probiotics have been used as single-agent therapy or in conjunction with prebiotics as synbiotic therapy (Box 51-1).5,6





Probiotic Mechanisms of Action


Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of probiotic therapy, but most theorize an interaction between probiotic organisms and the indigenous gastrointestinal (GI) flora. Colonization of the intestine, particularly the colon, with bacteria from the environment occurs in the neonate during the first few days of life.2,7,8 Depending upon the specific organism and the host, these bacteria may preferentially and permanently establish residence in the lumen, mucous gel layer, crypts, or epithelial cell surface of the GI tract.9 Some bacteria provide benefit to the host through enhancement of immune responses and protection against potentially damaging agents.2 With few exceptions, probiotic agents establish only short-term residency in the GI tract following consumption by the host. Probiotic organisms bind to epithelial Toll-like receptors thereby triggering specific innate immune responses, depending upon the particular receptor, anatomic site, and host.10,11 Box 51-2 outlines other proposed mechanisms.1214




Prebiotic Effects on Probiotic Therapy


Fiber-containing prebiotic agents can augment probiotic therapy, although the simple addition of fiber to the diet or as a supplement does not automatically guarantee effective prebiotic activity as the effect varies with fiber type. Two classes of oligosaccharides, oligofructose (fructooligosaccharide) and inulin, are soluble fibers that are considered classic and effective prebiotic agents.15 Both classes of oligosaccharides are fermented in the colon. Oligofructose, which can be found naturally in soybeans, oats, beets, and tomatoes, undergoes rapid fermentation in the colon and provides the most benefit to bacteria residing in the proximal colon. Inulin, which is found naturally in plants such as Jerusalem artichoke, jicama, and chicory root, undergoes slower fermentation in the colon, and provides benefit to bacteria residing in both the proximal and distal colon. Although the dog and cat small intestines have minimal ability to digest prebiotic oligosaccharides, ileal and colonic bacteria are quite capable of fermenting these soluble fibers to short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate, propionate) that provide metabolic fuel for colonic epithelial cells. Short-chain fatty acids decrease colonic pH resulting in pathogen inhibition, stimulation of sodium and water absorption, and suppression of abnormal colonocytes.16



Selection of a Probiotic Preparation



Labeling


When selecting a probiotic preparation for use in the dog or cat, a number of factors should be considered. One of these factors is the lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)because probiotics are not presently classified as pharmaceutical products. Despite the advances of the past decade, most of the commercially available probiotic preparations, whether marketed for use in humans or animals, do not have adequate studies supporting manufacturer claims. Moreover, product labels have been shown in some instances to be inaccurate or incomplete in their identification and quantification of viable microorganisms.17 Consequently, it is advisable to start the selection of a probiotic agent by using a product marketed by a reputable, science-based company. By observing this principle, the preparation selected is more likely to satisfy basic criteria for safety and efficacy (Box 51-3).12,13,17,18 In addition to safety and efficacy data, the manufacturer’s label should have information on content, handling, and advisory statements (Box 51-4).12



Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Jul 10, 2016 | Posted by in INTERNAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on Probiotic Agents

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access