Alleviating effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis using the GRADE approach

Abstract

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress are key risk factors in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Probiotics have been suggested to be beneficial in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress; however, the evidence remains inconsistent due to variations in study design, dosage, and patient populations. Methods: Studies were included following a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE, provided they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to clarify the effects of probiotics on oxidative stress and inflammation in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Results: A review of 18 studies revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly reduced CRP (SMD = -1.33, 95% CI: -1.84, -0.82; p < 0.001, high certainty), TNF-α (SMD = -1.10, 95% CI: -1.66, -0.55; p < 0.001, low certainty), and MDA levels (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -2.08, -0.69; p < 0.001, high certainty). Additionally, while probiotics increased GSH levels (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.23; p < 0.001, high certainty), they did not change the levels of IL-6 (SMD = -1.05, 95% CI: -2.21, 0.11; p < 0.001, low certainty), NO (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.54, 1.48; p = 0.363, low certainty) and TAC levels (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.74; p = 0.357, moderate certainty). Conclusion: The supplementation of probiotics may have mitigated biomarkers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.