The effects of seven-strain probiotic supplementation on cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters in patients with traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

The therapeutic effects of probiotics in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters in TBI patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 46 TBI patients who were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic supplement (n = 23) or a placebo (n = 23) for 14 days. The probiotic capsule contained four strains of Lactobacillus (L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus), two strains of Bifidobacterium (B. longum, B. breve), and Streptococcus thermophilus. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and arylesterase (ARE) activity were measured at the beginning and end of the trial. Dietary intakes of patients were also recorded at the beginning and end of the trial. At the end of the study, there were no significant changes in ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PAB, MDA, NO, TAC, and ARE levels. However, patients who received probiotic supplements had significantly increased dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and selenium compared with the placebo group. This study provides evidence that probiotic supplementation for 14 days in TBI patients has beneficial effects on dietary intake. However, it did not affect serum levels of cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, or antioxidant parameters. These findings should be considered preliminary, and further research is needed to evaluate long-term and clinical outcomes.