Title:Effects of Supplementation with Probiotics in Experimental Models of
Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Animal Experiments
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Francisca Idalina Neta, Francisco Emílio Simplício de Souza, André Lima Batista, Francisco Irochima Pinheiro, Ricardo Ney Cobucci and Fausto Pierdoná Guzen*
Affiliation:
- Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences,
State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Potiguar
University (UnP), Natal, Brazil
- Medical School, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Society, Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Natal, Brazil
Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease, probiotics, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, intestine, experimental model.
Abstract:
Background: Conditions along the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis can significantly contribute
to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence from animal studies indicates a role
of probiotics in regulating mood, cognition, and stress response via the BGM axis. However, the effect
of probiotics on AD needs to be better clarified in preclinical and clinical studies.
Methods: We prepared this systematic review according to PRISMA. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase,
and Virtual Health Library (VHL) were searched for original articles concerning the effects of
probiotics in experimental AD.
Results: Results were presented as a narrative synthesis according to the Synthesis Without Metaanalysis
(SWiM) Guideline. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed significant
effects in the experimental models of AD treated with probiotics alone or in mixture due to expressive
improvements in cognitive tests.
Conclusion: Furthermore, in most of the included studies, it was possible to observe a reduction in inflammatory
processes, an increase in the concentration of peptide hormones, insulin homeostasis in the
brain, increased antioxidant enzymes, and a decrease in beta-amyloid deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation.
Supplementation of probiotics seems to improve performance in cognitive tests and increase
the concentration of substances capable of delaying the neurodegenerative process of AD in experimental
models.
