Probiotics in IBD: Combining in vitro and in vivo models for selecting strains with both anti-inflammatory potential as well as a capacity to restore the gut epithelial barrier

Abstract Alteration of the gut microbiota together with an increase in intestinal permeability and persistent inflammatory responses are thought to be critical factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Taking benefit of these knowledges, a proper strategy to address the selection of efficient probiotics is needed more than ever. The present study investigated a collection of 11 strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria by combining in vitro approaches to select strains with anti-inflammatory activity and capacity to enhance intestinal barrier function. We identified five strains, with different characteristics that entail a high potential for the management of IBD, notably two strains that were highly protective in two different models of colitis. Notably, our results support the hypothesis that the capacity of the strains to alleviate inflammation is in part mediated by the improvement of the intestinal barrier and the restoration of tight junction proteins.