Effects of short-chain fatty acid-producing probiotic metabolites on symptom relief and intestinal barrier function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background IBS often appears as bloating, altered bowel patterns, and abdominal pain (AP).Probiotics and SCFA may be useful in mucosal repair and symptom relief, according to earlier research, however there is currently a lack of systematic evidence supporting their therapeutic effectiveness across a variety of IBS subtypes. Objective To investigate the impacts of probiotics on signs and intestinal barrier function (IBF) in individuals with multiple IBS subtypes, and evaluate the role of SCFA in this process. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial (DBRCT) design was adopted. Using the Rome IV criteria, a total of 120 individuals with IBS were randomised to either the probiotic group (PG) or placebo group (PLG). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks with an additional 4-week follow-up. In addition to fecal SCFA (FSCFA) levels, intestinal permeability (L/M ratio), tight junction proteins (TJP), serum/fecal inflammatory markers, and adverse event occurrence, the primary endpoint (PEP) evaluated was IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores. Subgroup analysis was performed in selected cases. Results In terms of symptom scores, there was a major correlation among group and time (F=9.314, P0.05). Reductions in symptom scores were positively connected with an increase in SCFAs (r=0.43, P=0.002). Subgroup analysis across multiple IBS subtypes indicated significant symptom relief at week 12 for all subtypes (all P<0.05). Conclusion Probiotics significantly improved…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 120 participants or records.
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