[The effects of bifidobacterium on the intestinal mucosa of the patients with ulcerative colitis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of bifidobacterium (Bf) on the intestinal mucosa of the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).


METHODS
Thirty patients in clinical and endoscopic remission by sulphasalazine and glucocorticoid were randomized to receive either Bifid Triple Viable capsule (BIFICO), 420 mg/d, or an identical placebo (starch) for 8 weeks. Fecal samples were collected for stool culture before and after treatment. Patients were assessed clinically endoscopically and histologically after 2 months or in the case of a relapse. p65 and IkappaB expression was determined by Western blot analysis DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB in colonic nuclear extracts was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The mRNA expression of cytokines were identified by a semi-quantitative assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Three patients in the BIFICO group had relapses within the 2-month follow-up period, compared with 14 in the placebo group (P < 0.01). Fecal concentration of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, increased significantly from baseline levels only in the BIFICO-treated group (P < 0.01). The expression of NF-kappaB p65 and DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB were significantly attenuated in the treat group than that in control (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines elevated obviously comparable of control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The Bf maybe impede the activation of NF-kappaB, decrease the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and elevate the expression of IL-10. These results suggest that oral administration of this new probiotic preparation is effective in preventing flare-ups of chronic UC. It will become a prophylactic drug delaying the relapse of UC.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001644:Bifidobacterium; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000235:genetics; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics
D007375:Interleukin-1; D016328:NF-kappa B; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D004247:DNA