Potential for targeted therapy with probiotic containing L. reuteri for gastrointestinal diseases in young children

In multifactorial pathological disorders, to which chronic noncommunicable diseases belong, the etiological factor, once it triggered a whole cascade of pathological changes, becomes irrelevant. In this case, the targeted therapy affecting the clinical course of the underlying disease can target key components of pathogenesis, different structures of the human body – from molecules to organs – and the microorganisms themselves. These key components of pathogenesis of non-communicable and communicable diseases include impaired permeability of the intestinal barrier with activation of innate and adaptive immunity, negative shifts in gut microbiota composition, and the onset of clinical symptoms of local and systemic inflammation. This review analyses the potential for probiotic supplements, particularly those containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri. A search for scientific publications was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and eLIBRARY.RU. databases. A total of 49 scientific publications were selected for analysis. The therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of action of L. reuteri in various gastrointestinal diseases were analysed and described in detail. Due to high efficacy of probiotic supplements with L. reuteri in maintaining the functional activity of the intestinal barrier and restoring it in case of injury, as well as their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and involvement in modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, they can be considered as a multitarget therapy aimed at preventing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. This article explored the therapeutic efficacy of L. reuteri LR92. This probiotic supplement has a proven track record as an effective drug in treating colic and other functional gastrointestinal disorders in children. In addition, the supplement has demonstrated the clinical efficacy in preventing similar disorders in children with food allergies and atopic dermatitis. It is found that its use improved stool consistency, bowel movement frequency, and quality of life (FLIP) in children with atopic dermatitis.

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