An ex vivo study conducted on a probiotic blend from AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics identified the potential mechanism of action by which the bacteria were able to reverse certain alterations caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

The probiotic blend is marketed as i3.1, and is comprised of Pediococcus acidilactici KABP 021 (CECT 7483), Lactoplantibacillus plantarum KABP 022 (CECT 7484), and Lactiplantibaccillus plantarum KABP 023 (CECT 7485).

The study, published in Gut Microbes, was conducted in collaboration with the gastroenterology unit of University of Bologna, Italy, led by gastroenterologist and professor Giovanni Barbara, MD, and Maria Raffaella Barbaro, PhD.

The ex vivo model incorporated both real patient biopsies and laboratory cell lines in order to provide a more realistic model and incorporate natural patient variability in the experiment. Incubation of these cells with the i3.1 probiotic blend resulted in reinforced barrier function, restoring it to levels comparable to that of the healthy controls in just three hours.

The cells incubated with the probiotic blend also showed increased expression of genes associated with the actin cytoskeleton, a structure which maintains the shape and structure of intestinal cells, and gut detoxification via CYP1A1, an enzyme which breaks down toxins and harmful compounds present in the diet or produced during inflammation. These findings suggest that the i3.1 probiotic blend may be able to reprogram gene expression in the intestinal cells of IBS patients in order to restore intestinal permeability.

Metabolomic analysis of the three strains in i3.1 also revealed that each strain produced high levels of indole-3-lactic acid, a molecule known to activate CYP1A1 expression.

“We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking results of this study, made possible by the collaboration with Professor Barbara and the Gastroenterology Unit of University of Bologna,” said Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, director of innovation at AB-BIOTICS. “These new findings reinforce previous clinical evidence which showed that our i3.1 probiotic blend helps reduce stress-induced abdominal symptoms and improves the quality of life for IBS patients. Through this research partnership, and others like it, we are excited to continue building the science and understanding behind the role of probiotics in conditions of the gut-brain axis – revealing opportunities to transform peoples’ lives.”

“The strains in i3.1 were specifically selected for their potential to target the key pathophysiological factors of IBS, namely increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and IBS-specific gut dysbiosis. Understanding more about how these strains restore the intestinal barrier by evaluating their effects on intestinal cells is central to our precision probiotics approach, and further builds the body of evidence for next-generation solutions to alleviate the effects of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.”

The latest study is in line with previous human clinical research, which has linked P. acidilactici KABP 021, L. plantarum KABP 022, and L. plantarum KABP 023 with improvements in IBS, lactose intolerance, and stress-related diarrhea, as measured by diagnostics like IBS quality of life scores, abdominal hypersensitivity, and stool consistency. These strains also appear to help activate protective pathways in the gut epithelium that lead to improved barrier integrity, as well as produce high levels of anti-inflammatory metabolites and antimicrobial factors known to target IBS-associated bacteria and other enteropathogens, according to AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics.