The efficacy of probiotics in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (an animal model for MS): a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Soghra Valizadeh, Abbas Majdi Seghinsara, Khalil Maleki Chollou, Amir Reza Bahadori, Sepideh Abbaszadeh, Maryam Taghdir, Hamed Behniafar, Seyed Mohammad Riahi
Abstract
Probiotics immunomodulatory properties and their beneficial effects for diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are reported by several studies. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the favourable effects of probiotics in improving experimental autoimmune/allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model of MS. We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Sciences (ISI), and PubMed databases to identify relevant studies from the inception of these databases to December 2019. A total of 15 animal studies met the inclusion criteria, while no human study met the inclusion criteria. The association between consumption of probiotics and each sign was calculated using the producing pooled odd ratios (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) in a random effect model. The meta-analysis revealed the significant effect of probiotics on the incidence of EAE, weight gain, and clinical symptoms. However, the effects of probiotics on the duration of the disease varied by probiotic strain. The administration of probiotics was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of mortality only in female animals. Moreover, the meta-analysis revealed the promising effects of probiotics on the prevention and management of EAE.