Probiotic helps colitis recovery

LOS ANGELES

The probiotic Bacillus polyfermenticus helped intestinal wound healing in mice who suffered from colitis disease, in a new study from UCLA (Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2009 Sep 3.). Mice treated with B. polyfermenticus during the non-inflammatory period of the disease showed improvement in recovery, as shown by increased body weight, reduced rectal bleeding and less inflamed tissues. The probiotic also increased angiogenesis, growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, as well as interleukin-8 production in the mucosal layer (inner tissue of the colon).

Researchers also looked at the effect of B. polyfermenticus in human cells in a test tube study. They found the probiotic increased cell migration, permeability and tube formation in human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMECs). Angiogenesis of interleukin-8 also increased after exposure to B. polyfermenticus.

The researchers stated, This probiotic may be clinically used to facilitate intestinal wound healing.

In colitis disease, the mucosa becomes inflamed and damaged, which can result in painful sores.