Limosilactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Disease

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 26563

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Emergency Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Interests: microbiota; probiotics; microorganisms; health; diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to become an overview of the currently available knowledge and recent findings regarding the role of Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly known as Lactobacillus reuteri) in health and disease.

L. reuteri is one of the most scientifically well-documented probiotics in the world.

In humans, L. reuteri is found in different body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, skin, and breast milk.

Direct supplementation or prebiotic modulation of L. reuteri could be an option in the prevention and/or therapy of many inflammatory diseases.

A broad spectrum of subtopics will be covered, ranging from gastrointestinal to non-gastrointestinal diseases in both adults and children.

The subtopics to be covered within this Issue are listed below:

  • Role of L. reuteri in diarrhea;
  • Role of L. reuteri in constipation;
  • Role of L. reuteri in Helicobacter pylori infection;
  • Role of L. reuteri in periodontal disease;
  • Role of probiotics in general health;
  • Role of L. reuteri during PPI treatment;
  • Role of L. reuteri in functional abdominal pain in children;
  • Role of L. reuteri in diabetic patients;
  • Role of L. reuteri in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis;
  • The efficacy and characteristics of different L. reuteri strains;
  • Role of L. reuteri in antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD);
  • Role of L. reuteri in kidney diseases. 

Dr. Veronica Ojetti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Lactobacillus reuteri
  • Lactobacillus reuteri and gastrointestinal diseases
  • Lactobacillus reuteri and extragastrointestinal diseases

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

13 pages, 641 KiB  
Review
Microbiota and Probiotics: The Role of Limosilactobacillus Reuteri in Diverticulitis
by Andrea Piccioni, Laura Franza, Vanessa Vaccaro, Angela Saviano, Christian Zanza, Marcello Candelli, Marcello Covino, Francesco Franceschi and Veronica Ojetti
Medicina 2021, 57(8), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57080802 - 5 Aug 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4983
Abstract
The microbiota is the set of commensal microorganisms, residing in the organism, helping proper functioning of organs and systems. The role that the microbiota plays in maintaining the health of vertebrates is widely accepted, particularly in the gastrointestinal system, where it is fundamental [...] Read more.
The microbiota is the set of commensal microorganisms, residing in the organism, helping proper functioning of organs and systems. The role that the microbiota plays in maintaining the health of vertebrates is widely accepted, particularly in the gastrointestinal system, where it is fundamental for immunity, development, and conversion of nutrients. Dysbiosis is an alteration of the microbiota which refers to a disturbed balance, which can cause a number of pathologies. Probiotics have proven to be effective in modulating the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system and, therefore, in promoting the health of the individual. In particular, Lactobacilli are a group of Gram-positive bacteria, which are able to produce lactic acid through glucose metabolism. They are present in different microenvironments, ranging from the vagina, to the mouth, to different tracts of the small intestine. In the present review, we will discuss the use of Limosilactobacillus in human health in general and more specifically in diverticulitis. In particular we analyze the role of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and its anti-inflammatory action. For this review, articles were identified using the electronic PubMed database through a comprehensive search, conducted by combining key terms such as “diverticulitis”, “Limosilactobacillus reuteri”, “human health and disease”, “probiotics”. We selected all the articles published in the last 10 years and screened 1017 papers. Articles referenced in the screened papers were evaluated if considered interesting for our topic. Probiotics have proven to be effective in modulating the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system and, therefore, in promoting the health of the individual. The importance of probiotics in treating diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis can be further understood if taking into consideration some pathophysiological aspects, associated to the microbiota. L. reuteri plays an important role in human health and disease. The effectiveness of L. reuteri in stimulating a correct bowl motility partly explains its effectiveness in treating diverticulitis. The most important action of L. reuteri is probably its immunomodulating activity. Levels of IL-6, IL-8, and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) are reduced after supplementation with different strands of Lactobacilli, while T-regulatory cells increase in number and activity. Anyway, new mechanisms of action of probiotics come to light from the many investigations currently taking place in numerous centres around the world and to improve how exactly probiotic administration could make the difference in the management of diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Limosilactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Disease)
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10 pages, 308 KiB  
Review
Probiotic Bacterial Application in Pediatric Critical Illness as Coadjuvants of Therapy
by Christian Zanza, Tatsiana Romenskaya, Yaroslava Longhitano, Fabio Piccolella, Fabrizio Racca, Michele Fidel Tassi, Francesca Rubulotta, Ludovico Abenavoli, Dana Shiffer, Francesco Franceschi, Alessio Migneco, Angela Saviano, Andrea Piccioni and Veronica Ojetti
Medicina 2021, 57(8), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57080781 - 30 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3127
Abstract
The use of probiotics in critically ill adult and children patients has been growing exponentially over the last 20 years. Numerous factors in pediatriac intensive care unit (PICU) patients may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, which subsequently promotes the pathobiota’s growth. Currently, lactobacillus and [...] Read more.
The use of probiotics in critically ill adult and children patients has been growing exponentially over the last 20 years. Numerous factors in pediatriac intensive care unit (PICU) patients may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, which subsequently promotes the pathobiota’s growth. Currently, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species are mainly used to prevent the development of systemic diseases due to the subverted microbiome, followed by streptococcus, enterococcus, propionibacterium, bacillus and Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. The aim of this article is to review the scientific literature for further confirmation of the importance of the usage of probiotics in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, especially in the pediatric population. A progressive increase in nosocomial infections, especially nosocomial bloodstream infections, has been observed over the last 30 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the incidence of nosocomial infections in PICUs was still high and ranged between 5% and 10%. Petrof et al. was one of the first to demonstrate the efficacy of probiotics for preventing systemic diseases in ICU patients. Recently, however, the use of probiotics with different lactobacillus spp. has been shown to cause a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, in some studies, the use of probiotics, in particular the mix of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in PICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation. In abdominal infections, there is no doubt at all about the usefulness of using Lactobacillus spp probiotics, which help to treat ICU-acquired diarrhoea episodes as well as in positive blood culture for candida spp. Despite the importance of using probiotics being supported by various studies, their use is not yet part of the standard protocols to which all doctors must adhere. In the meantime, while waiting for protocols to be drawn up as soon as possible for use in PICUs, routine use could certainly stimulate the intestine’s immune defences. Though it is still too early to say, they could be considered the drugs of the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Limosilactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Disease)
7 pages, 309 KiB  
Review
Limosilactobacillus reuteri Strains as Adjuvants in the Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection
by Costantino Dargenio, Vanessa Nadia Dargenio, Francesca Bizzoco, Flavia Indrio, Ruggiero Francavilla and Fernanda Cristofori
Medicina 2021, 57(7), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57070733 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6031
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium which finds its suitable habitat in the stomach. The infection affects about half of the global population with high variability in prevalence among regions and for age. HP is the main causative agent of chronic active [...] Read more.
Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium which finds its suitable habitat in the stomach. The infection affects about half of the global population with high variability in prevalence among regions and for age. HP is the main causative agent of chronic active gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and may be the primary cause of gastric cancer or MALT lymphoma. Due to the high rate of failure of eradication therapy in various countries and the increase in antibiotic resistance reported in the literature, there is an ever wider need to seek alternative therapeutic treatments. Probiotics seem to be a promising solution. In particular, the Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) species is a Gram-positive bacterium and is commonly found in the microbiota of mammals. L. reuteri is able to survive the gastric acid environment and bile and to colonize the gastric mucosa. This species is able to inhibit the growth of several pathogenic bacteria through different mechanisms, keeping the homeostasis of the microbiota. In particular, it is able to secrete reuterin and reutericycline, substances that exhibit antimicrobial properties, among other molecules. Through the secretion of these and the formation of the biofilm, it has been found to strongly inhibit the growth of HP and, at higher concentrations, to kill it. Moreover, it reduces the expression of HP virulence factors. In clinical trials, L. reuteri has been shown to decrease HP load when used as a single treatment, but has not achieved statistical significance in curing infected patients. As an adjuvant of standard regimens with antibiotics and pump inhibitors, L. reuteri can be used not only to improve cure rates, but especially to decrease gastrointestinal symptoms, which are a common cause of lack of compliance and interruption of therapy, leading to new antibiotic resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Limosilactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Disease)
9 pages, 332 KiB  
Review
Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in Diarrhea and Constipation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
by Angela Saviano, Mattia Brigida, Alessio Migneco, Gayani Gunawardena, Christian Zanza, Marcello Candelli, Francesco Franceschi and Veronica Ojetti
Medicina 2021, 57(7), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57070643 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 10667
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) is a probiotic that can colonize different human body sites, including primarily the gastrointestinal tract, but also the urinary tract, the skin, and breast milk. Literature data showed that the administration [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) is a probiotic that can colonize different human body sites, including primarily the gastrointestinal tract, but also the urinary tract, the skin, and breast milk. Literature data showed that the administration of L. reuteri can be beneficial to human health. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the role of L. reuteri in the management of gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, both in adults and children, which are frequent reasons for admission to the emergency department (ED), in order to promote the best selection of probiotic type in the treatment of these uncomfortable and common symptoms. Materials and Methods: We searched articles on PubMed® from January 2011 to January 2021. Results: Numerous clinical studies suggested that L. reuteri may be helpful in modulating gut microbiota, eliminating infections, and attenuating the gastrointestinal symptoms of enteric colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (also related to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection), irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic constipation. In both children and in adults, L. reuteri shortens the duration of acute infectious diarrhea and improves abdominal pain in patients with colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. It can ameliorate dyspepsia and symptoms of gastritis in patients with HP infection. Moreover, it improves gut motility and chronic constipation. Conclusion: Currently, probiotics are widely used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders. In our opinion, L. reuteri meets all the requirements to be considered a safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious probiotic that is able to contribute to the beneficial effects on gut-human health, preventing and treating many gastrointestinal symptoms, and speeding up the recovery and discharge of patients accessing the emergency department. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Limosilactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Disease)
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