AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics blend may restore intestinal barrier function in IBS patients

AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ i3.1 probiotic blend may help restore compromised intestinal barrier function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to new research. The in vitro study used biopsies from IBS patients and laboratory cell lines to create a realistic model and include natural patient variability.

Incubating these cells with the probiotic blend restored barrier function to levels comparable to healthy controls after three hours. 

The companies collaborated with researchers from the Gastroenterology Unit of the University of Bologna, Italy, to illustrate the blend’s molecular mechanisms of action on intestinal permeability. 

“These new findings reinforce previous clinical evidence which showed that our i3.1 probiotic blend helps reduce stress-induced abdominal symptoms and improves the quality of life for IBS patients,” says Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, director of Innovation at AB-Biotics.

“Through this research partnership, and others like it, we are excited to continue building the science and understanding behind the role of probiotics in conditions of the gut-brain axis — revealing opportunities to transform people’s lives.”

The i3.1 blend contains the strains Pedioccoccus acidilactici KABP 021 (CECT 7483), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 022 (CECT 7484), and L. plantarum KABP 023 (CECT 7485). 

Gene expression

Published in Gut Microbes, the study suggests that the probiotic blend may reprogram gene expression in cells of IBS patients to restore intestinal permeability. 

Cells incubated with i3.1 showed an increased expression of genes associated with the actin cytoskeleton (β-actin) — a structure that helps maintain intestinal cell shape and function. The authors also found increased gut detoxification through CYP1A1, an enzyme that breaks down toxins and harmful compounds in the diet or is produced during inflammation. 

IBS can affect 5–10% of the population, causing gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in bowel movements, and abdominal pain.Metabolomic analysis of the three probiotic strains indicates that all produced high levels of indole-3-lactic acid, a molecule known to activate CYP1A1 expression. 

“The strains in i3.1 were specifically selected for their potential to target the key pathophysiological factors of IBS, namely increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and IBS-specific gut dysbiosis,” explains Espadaler-Mazo.

“Understanding more about how these strains restore the intestinal barrier by evaluating their effects on intestinal cells is central to our precision probiotics approach and further builds the body of evidence for next-generation solutions to alleviate the effects of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.”

IBS support

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain axis that can affect 5–10% of the global population. It causes gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in bowel movements, and severe abdominal pain and discomfort, which can reduce patients’ quality of life. 

Increased permeability is one of several factors in IBS pathophysiology. It leads to impaired intestinal barrier function, where harmful molecules can enter the bloodstream. 

AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics note that supplementing with probiotics can support IBS patients in addition to primary care. 

The new research expands on existing clinical evidence for the efficacy of Pedioccoccus acidilactici KABP 021, L. plantarum KABP 022, and L. plantarum KABP 023 in alleviating IBS effects, lactose intolerance, and stress-related diarrhea by modulating the gut-brain axis. This is supported by industry-recognized diagnostics, IBS quality of life scores, abdominal hypersensitivity, and stool consistency. 

In addition, research indicates that the strains can help activate cytoprotective pathways in gut epithelium cells that help improve barrier integrity and produce high levels of anti-inflammatory metabolites and anti-microbial factors that target IBS-associated bacteria and pathogens. 

In other research on IBS, a systematic review analyzing fermented foods’ impact on the disease suggests that fermented milk with probiotics may help alleviate patients’ symptoms. However, the authors caution that more research is needed to support their findings.