Summary:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. This leads to a range of neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, visual disturbances, and impaired coordination and balance. Current MS treatments focus on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms, but emerging evidence suggests that gut health may play a role in disease modulation. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health, have shown potential in regulating immune responses and reducing systemic inflammation. They can increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Improved gut barrier integrity may also limit the passage of harmful substances that could trigger immune activation. This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of a combined probiotic and vitamin D supplement on immune and neurological biomarkers in MS patients. Over twelve weeks, participants received the supplement or a placebo, and key measures included cytokine levels, neuronal damage, disability scores, and quality of life assessments. Results showed that the supplement significantly reduced neuronal damage compared to the control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced, while anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. Improvements in immune markers were accompanied by better disability scores and quality of life measures. These findings indicate that a probiotic and vitamin D supplement may serve as a promising strategy for MS, supporting immune modulation, reducing neuroinflammation, and potentially slowing disease progression.
Abstract:
Purpose: multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It damages the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, resulting in neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with coordination and balance. Probiotic bacteria have been shown to have a potential role in managing multiple sclerosis by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. They modulate the immune system by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-4, and reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-17. Probiotics may also improve gut barrier function, which can help prevent the entry of harmful substances into the bloodstream that could trigger an immune response. Methods: The presented double-blind, placebo-control clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a novel supplement containing probiotics and vitamin D, so IL-10, TGF-b, IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-gamma cytokines, and neurofilament light chain biomarker were measured by ELISA. Also, we determined the EDSS score and quality of life for patients. Results: The results revealed that consuming the supplement for twelve weeks can significantly reduce the concentration of NFL biomarker compared to the control group. For the first time, these valuable results demonstrate the effect of probiotic bacteria on reducing this biomarker. Also, the results showed a significant decrease in IL-17 and IFN-γ and modulatory effects on IL-4 and TGF-β. On the other hand, a considerable rise is demonstrated in the IL-10 level. Conclusion: These findings could provide the supplement as a novel co-therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis.
Article Publication Date: 06/08/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s12247-025-10065-w
