The impact of probiotics on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with diabetes: a meta-research of meta-analysis studies
Xi Chen, Li‐Jun Yan, Jie Yang, Chenlong Xu, Yang Lv
Abstract
Objective Probiotic supplementation has gained attention for its potential to modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, particularly in metabolic disorders. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of probiotics on C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with diabetes. Methods A Meta-Research was conducted on 15 meta-analyses of unique 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2022, involving 26 to 136 participants aged 26 to 66 years. Data were synthesized using standardized mean differences (SMD), with sensitivity analysis using a random-effect model. Results Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced CRP (SMD = −0.79, 95% CI: −1.19, −0.38), TNF- α (SMD = −1.35, 95% CI: −2.05, −0.66), and MDA levels (WMD: -0.82, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.47). Probiotics increased GSH (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.59), TAC (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.69), and NO (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91). Result on IL-6 was not significant (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.66, 0.09). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Conclusion Probiotics significantly improved inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with diabetes, with variations influenced by population and dosage. Future studies should explore novel probiotic strains and longer interventions.