Table 1.

Mechanisms of probiotics

Increase in barrier function

Maintenance of epithelial tight junctions integrity

Increase mucin production (Globet cells)

Increase in trefoil factors and defensins production (Paneth Cells)

Modulation of immune response

Increase secretory IgA

Production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Promotion tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells

Enhance of natural killer activity

Antagonism of pathogens

Direct killing of bacteria

Reduction of pathogen adherence

Inhibition of pathogenic bacteria growth by antimicrobial and antitoxin compound production (i.e., SCFA, bacteriocins and microcins)

Production of substances

Production of enzymatic activities and/or beneficial metabolites to the host

Promotion pain relief in visceral hyperalgesia

SCFA: Short chain fatty acids.