Cellular and physiological effects of probiotics and prebiotics

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2004 Oct;4(8):889-96. doi: 10.2174/1389557043403369.

Abstract

We review the present knowledge on the biological mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics. They include direct effects in the intestinal lumen or on intestinal or immune cells, and indirect mechanisms through modulation of the endogenous microflora (composition or functions such as butyrate production) or of the immune system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Butyrates / metabolism
  • Butyrates / pharmacology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Digestive System / drug effects
  • Digestive System / immunology
  • Digestive System / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Oligosaccharides* / metabolism
  • Oligosaccharides* / pharmacology
  • Oligosaccharides* / therapeutic use
  • Probiotics* / metabolism
  • Probiotics* / pharmacology
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Butyrates
  • Cytokines
  • Oligosaccharides