Effects of probiotics (Ecologic 825) on barrier function during maintenance treatment for severe pouchitis

• Background : About 10-15% of patients with an ileoanal pouch develop a severe, form of pouchitis that necessitates long and/or frequent use of antibiotics and in rare cases even pouch excision. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence after induction treatment with antibiotics. The mechanisms behind the positive effects of probiotics are not fully understood. The aim of our study was to examine the mucosal barrier function in relation to pouchitis, before and after treatment with probiotics. Methods: 16 patients with a history of severe pouchitis underwent endoscopy with biopsies of the pouch on three occasions: Once during active pouchitis, second after 4 weeks of treatment with antibiotics until clinical remission and third after eight weeks of probiotic treatment. 13 controls with an ileoanal pouch with no recent history of pouchitis were used. The biopsies were mounted in Ussing chambers and mucosal barrier function was assessed by electrophysiology, transmucosal uptake of E coli K12, permeability to Cr-EDTA and Horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) was used in all subjects. Results: PDAI was significantly improved after treatment with antibiotics and probiotics. There was a significant difference in E. coli K12 passage before treatment compared to controls (3.7 units (3.4-8.5) vs 1.7 units (1.0-2.4) p< 0.01). E. coli K12 passage did not change after antibiotic treatment (5.0 units (3.3-7.1) p = ns vs controls). In contrast a significant reduction in bacterial uptake was seen after probiotics (2.2 units (1.8-3.3) p< 0.05). Likewise, a significant normalization of HRP flux was seen after probiotic treatment. Pouchitis did not affect paracellular permability or electrophysiology. Conclusion: Probiotic treatment restored the increased permeation to E. coli and HRP in patients with chronic pouchitis. This could be an important factor behind the positive effects of probiotics in patients with chronic pouchitis.

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