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Saccharomyces boulardii inhibits inflammatory bowel disease by trapping T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes.

  • 2006-12
  • Gastroenterology 131(6)
    • G. Dalmasso
    • F. Cottrez
    • V. Imbert
    • P. Lagadec
    • J. Peyron
    • P. Rampal
    • D. Czerucka
    • H. Groux
    • A. Foussat
    • V. Brun

Abstract

Background & aims: Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic yeast used for treatment of diarrhea. We used a mice model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to analyze the effects of S boulardii on inflammation.

Methods: Lymphocyte-transferred SCID mice, displaying IBD, were fed daily with S boulardii. Weight loss and inflammatory status of the colon were monitored. Nuclear factor-kappaB activity was assessed in the colon. The CD4(+) T-cell production of interferon (IFN) gamma was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a comprehensive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for both colon and mesenteric lymph nodes was performed. Finally, we analyzed cell migration mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

Results: S boulardii treatment inhibits IBD. S boulardii induces an accumulation of IFN-gamma-producing T-helper 1 cells within the mesenteric lymph nodes correlated with a diminution of CD4(+) T-cell number and IFN-gamma production by CD4+ T cells within the colon. The influence of S boulardii treatment on cell accumulation in mesenteric lymph nodes was also observed in normal BALB/c mice and involves modifications of lymph node endothelial cell adhesiveness by a yeast secretion product.

Conclusions: S boulardii has a unique action on inflammation by a specific alteration of the migratory behavior of T cells, which accumulate in mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, S boulardii treatment limits the infiltration of T-helper 1 cells in the inflammed colon and the amplification of inflammation induced by proinflammatory cytokines production. These results suggest that S boulardii administration may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of IBD.

Research Insights

SupplementHealth OutcomeEffect TypeEffect Size
Saccharomyces boulardiiAltered T Cell Migratory BehaviorBeneficial
Moderate
Saccharomyces boulardiiReduced Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseBeneficial
Moderate
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