Alleviating effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis using the GRADE approach.

2025-07-01
BMC pharmacology & toxicology 26(1)
- Xiaoyuan Yu
- Li Yan
- Lingxiao Chen
- Xianmei Shen
- Wenzheng Zhang

PubMed: 40598607
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-025-00957-5

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Population: randomized controlled trials (RCT) in non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE

Background

Inflammation and oxidative stress are key risk factors in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Probiotics have been suggested to be beneficial in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress; however, the evidence remains inconsistent due to variations in study design, dosage, and patient populations.

Methods

Studies were included following a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE, provided they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to clarify the effects of probiotics on oxidative stress and inflammation in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Results

A review of 18 studies revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly reduced CRP (SMD = -1.33, 95% CI: -1.84, -0.82; p < 0.001, high certainty), TNF-α (SMD = -1.10, 95% CI: -1.66, -0.55; p < 0.001, low certainty), and MDA levels (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -2.08, -0.69; p < 0.001, high certainty). Additionally, while probiotics increased GSH levels (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.23; p < 0.001, high certainty), they did not change the levels of IL-6 (SMD = -1.05, 95% CI: -2.21, 0.11; p < 0.001, low certainty), NO (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.54, 1.48; p = 0.363, low certainty) and TAC levels (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.74; p = 0.357, moderate certainty).

Conclusion

The supplementation of probiotics may have mitigated biomarkers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Increased Antioxidant Levels
while probiotics increased GSH levels (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.23; p < 0.001, high certainty)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Increased Glutathione Levels
while probiotics increased GSH levels (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.23; p < 0.001, high certainty)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Inflammation Markers
probiotic supplementation significantly reduced CRP (SMD = -1.33, 95% CI: -1.84, -0.82; p < 0.001, high certainty), TNF-α (SMD = -1.10, 95% CI: -1.66, -0.55; p < 0.001, low certainty)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Oxidative Stress
probiotic supplementation significantly reduced ... MDA levels (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -2.08, -0.69; p < 0.001, high certainty). Additionally, while probiotics increased GSH levels (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.23; p < 0.001, high certainty)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large