Editorial: Effects and mechanisms of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics on intestinal health and disease
Guangqiang Wang, Tongren Ding, Lianzhong Ai
Abstract
Effects and mechanisms of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics on intestinal health and disease Probiotics, a collective term for microorganisms with health benefits, are known for their ability to regulate the gut microbiota and boost the immune system.Substances closely related to probiotics, such as prebiotics and postbiotics, also play a significant role in maintaining intestinal health and treating certain diseases.Given the substantial impact of these substances on the gut microbiota and overall human health, we have compiled a selection of popular research articles from the journal "Frontiers in Cellular & Infection Microbiology", focusing on the theme "Effects and Mechanisms of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics on Intestinal Health and Disease."By analyzing these articles, we aim to elucidate the roles and effects of these substances in promoting intestinal health and treating specific illnesses, with the goal of providing scientific insights into their mechanisms and applications. The application of probiotics in disease treatmentProbiotics have been considered to have significant potential in the treatment of certain diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), but there is still widespread controversy.ALD can be alleviated through nutritional support and alcohol abstinence, treatment strategies remain relatively limited.Xiong et al. conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis to thoroughly evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotics in treating ALD.The results indicated that probiotic formulations can significantly improve liver function indicators in patients with ALD, reducing serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which reflect liver inflammation and injury, and increasing the levels of serum albumin, which reflects liver synthetic function.The modulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics is likely key to their