Volume 83, Issue 7 (October 2025)
Tehran Univ Med J 2025, 83(7): 481-489 |
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Ebrahiminejad Shahroudi A, Akhavan Sepahi A, Meyfour A, Yadegar A, Mehrabian S. The beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis in inflammatory bowel disease, clinical effects and therapeutic prospects: a review article. Tehran Univ Med J 2025; 83 (7) :481-489
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13735-en.html
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13735-en.html
Ardeshir Ebrahiminejad Shahroudi1 
, Abbas Akhavan Sepahi *2 , Anna Meyfour3 , Abbas Yadegar4 , Sedigheh Mehrabian1
, Abbas Akhavan Sepahi *2 , Anna Meyfour3 , Abbas Yadegar4 , Sedigheh Mehrabian1
1- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. ,akhavansepahi@iau.ac.ir
3- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. ,
3- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (11 Views)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, disruption of epithelial barrier function, and dysregulation of the immune system. Its pathogenesis involves complex interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, gut microbiota, and host immune responses. Dysregulated cytokine signaling plays a central role, with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), contributing to tissue damage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and clinical manifestations such as diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss. Conversely, anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-35, and IL-37, counteract these inflammatory responses, inhibit excessive immune activation, and maintain mucosal homeostasis. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains, have emerged as promising adjunctive therapies for IBD due to their capacity to restore microbial balance, modulate immune responses, and enhance gut barrier integrity. Among them, Lactobacillus brevis has demonstrated significant immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Various strains, including AL0035, SBC8803, Bmb6, HY7401, and KU15152, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulate tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, regulate Th1/Th2/Th17 responses, and inhibit NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. L. brevis-derived metabolites, notably long-chain polyphosphates, attenuate fibrosis, reduce TGF-β1 and collagen expression, and protect epithelial cells from oxidative stress. Heat-killed L. brevis strains also retain immunomodulatory activity, allowing therapeutic use even when live bacteria cannot effectively colonize the gut. Preclinical studies demonstrate that oral administration of L. brevis improves disease activity indices in experimental colitis models, reduces mucosal immune cell infiltration, restores epithelial integrity, and prevents ulceration, bleeding, and goblet cell depletion. Clinical evidence, although limited, suggests that L. brevis supplementation can enhance gut microbiota diversity, increase beneficial bacterial populations, and modulate serum cytokines, further supporting intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, L. brevis influences metabolite profiles, such as serotonin and polyamines, which are linked to gut motility, epithelial repair, and immune regulation, highlighting its multifaceted role in gut health. In this review article, for the first time, we discussed the beneficial effects of L. brevis in inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting its clinical effects and therapeutic prospects.
Keywords: inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, lactobacillus brevis, probiotics, treatment outcome.
Type of Study: Review Article |
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