Track 13: Biomarkers of Probiotics and Gut Health Efficacy
Biomarkers are measurable indicators that reflect the activity or effectiveness of probiotics and the overall health of the gut microbiome. They provide objective data to assess how probiotics influence digestion, immunity, metabolism, and disease prevention, helping guide research, clinical applications, and personalized interventions.
Key Biomarkers
1. Microbial Composition Analysis of gut microbiota diversity and abundance using sequencing techniques (e.g., 16S rRNA, metagenomics) helps evaluate changes in beneficial and harmful bacterial populations in response to probiotic intake.
2. Metabolite Profiles Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate are key metabolic products of gut bacteria. Their levels indicate probiotic activity, microbial fermentation efficiency, and gut health status.
3. Immune Markers Cytokine profiles, immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, and other inflammatory markers reflect the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and overall immune system support.
4. Gut Barrier Integrity Markers such as zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) indicate intestinal permeability and barrier function, which probiotics help maintain or restore.
5. Clinical and Functional Indicators Symptoms of gastrointestinal health (e.g., bowel movement regularity, bloating, diarrhea) and metabolic parameters (e.g., blood glucose, cholesterol) serve as functional biomarkers to assess probiotic efficacy in real-world settings.
Conclusion Monitoring these biomarkers allows researchers and clinicians to quantify the impact of probiotics on gut health, immune function, and metabolic balance. The integration of microbial, metabolic, immune, and functional indicators provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating probiotic effectiveness and guiding personalized gut health strategies.
