Probiotic bacteria enhance murine and human intestinal epithelial barrier function

Background & Aims: The probiotic compound, VSL#3, is efficacious as maintenance therapy in pouchitis and ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of VSL#3 as a primary therapy in the treatment of colitis in the interleukin (IL)-10 gene-deficient mouse. Mechanisms of action of VSL#3 were investigated in T84 monolayers. Methods: IL-10 gene-deficient and control mice received 2.8 × 108 colony-forming units per day of VSL#3 for 4 weeks. Colons were removed and analyzed for cytokine production, epithelial barrier function, and inflammation. VSL#3 or conditioned media was applied directly to T84 monolayers. Results: Treatment of IL-10 gene-deficient mice with VSL#3 resulted in normalization of colonic physiologic function and barrier integrity in conjunction with a reduction in mucosal secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ and an improvement in histologic disease. In vitro studies showed that epithelial barrier function and resistance to Salmonella invasion could be enhanced by exposure to a proteinaceous soluble factor secreted by the bacteria found in the VSL#3 compound. Conclusions: Oral administration of VSL#3 was effective as primary therapy in IL-10 gene-deficient mice, and had a direct effect on epithelial barrier function. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;121:580-591