RESUMEN
As our understanding of the intricate interaction between gut bacteria and human health continues to expand, so too has interest in the ability of probiotics to manage gut microbiota and confer multiple health benefits to the host. The mini literature review focuses on the expanding potential of the use of probiotics in GI health, with a focus on probiotics' potential therapeutic advantages in a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. Probiotics play a significant role in managing diarrhea and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) by modulating gut microbial communities. Specific probiotic strains have been found to reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria, regulate inflammatory markers like interleukin 6, and improve GI symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and stool consistency. Additionally, probiotic blends have shown potential for preventing GI infections and alleviating GI pain in IBS-D patients. Studies have demonstrated that certain multi-strain probiotics, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, can significantly increase the frequency of bowel movements and reduce the proportion of individuals experiencing constipation. It has also been found that probiotic supplementation may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and mortality, particularly in patients undergoing colorectal adenocarcinoma surgery. Additionally, probiotics have been associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. Furthermore, probiotics have been associated with enhanced digestive tolerance, reduced GI inflammation, and prolonged clinical remission in certain UC patients. Studies have also shown that probiotics, administered either directly to infants or pregnant women during the perinatal stage, can alleviate symptoms such as inconsolable crying and irritation associated with infant colic, improve bowel movement frequency in cases of functional constipation, and enhance overall conditions in premature infants, including reducing regurgitation and improving feeding tolerance. The review addresses both encouraging results and challenges with probiotic therapy, while also arguing for more studies to elucidate underlying mechanisms and enhance therapeutic techniques. As we traverse the complex field of probiotic therapy in the treatment of GI illnesses, researchers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals can benefit from the informative information provided by this study.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate mobility performance in dogs suffering from hip osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia using kinesiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty dogs with a radiographical diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia and hip osteoarthritis and 20 healthy dogs were submitted to kinetic and kinematic analysis while climbing upstairs, walking down a slope, sitting down, standing up, and walking. Dogs were also scored by two blind examiners using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Dysplastic dogs had lower peak vertical force (4% of body weight on average), increased symmetry index (12.6% difference on average) and reduced maximum hip joint extension angle and range of motion (ROM) in all tests. Mean hip joint range of motion difference was 11, 20, 25.4 and 25.2 degrees (walking, climbing upstairs, walking down a slope, sitting down and standing up exercise respectively). The VAS scores varied widely between examiners; still, healthy and dysplastic dog mobility differed across all physical test tasks. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gait changes were observed in all physical tasks performed by dysplastic dogs with hip osteoarthritis, particularly in those requiring higher levels of effort. Comprehensive, quantitative assessment of dogs suffering from hip osteoarthritis across a range of physical activities is recommended.