This meta- analysis suggests that probiotic administration may significantly reduce serum CRP while having no significant effect on serum IL10 and TNF-α
We conducted this systematic review and meta- analysis of prospect i ve studies to determine the effect of  probiotic administration on serum C-reactive protein ( CRP ) concentrations .
Effect of Probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii) on Microbial Translocation and Inflammation in HIV-Treated Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Background : Microbial translocation has been associated with an increase in immune activation and inflammation in HIV infection despite effective highly active antiretroviral therapy . It has been shown that some probiotics have a beneficial effect by reducing intestinal permeability and , consequently , microbial translocation . Objectives : To assess changes in microbial translocation and inflammation after treatment with probiotics ( Saccharomyces boulardii ) in HIV-1–infected patients with virologic suppression . Methods : A double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 44 nonconsecutive HIV-1–infected patients with viral load of < 20 copies per milliliter for at least 2 years . Patients were r and omized to oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo during 12 weeks . Markers of microbial translocation ( lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [ LBP ] and soluble CD14 ) , inflammation ( interleukin 6 [ IL-6 ] , tumor necrosis factor alpha , interferon gamma , high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ) , and immunological and clinical data were determined before and after the intervention and 3 months after treatment discontinuation . Quantitative variables were compared using the Mann – Whitney U test , and categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact test . Results : After 12 weeks of treatment , differences between the probiotic arm and the placebo arm were observed in LBP values ( −0.30 vs + 0.70 pg/mL ) and IL-6 ( −0.60 vs + 0.78 pg/mL ) . These differences were also noted at 3 months after treatment withdrawal . Qualitative analysis was performed , defining a variable as “ decreased ” or “ increased ” from baseline LBP . A significant decrease of LBP at 12 weeks of treatment was observed ( 57.9 % patients in the probiotic group vs 6.2 % in the placebo group , P = 0.002 ) . Conclusions : Treatment with S. boulardii decreases microbial translocation ( LBP ) and inflammation parameters ( IL-6 ) in HIV-1–infected patients with long-term virologic suppression
This meta- analysis suggests that probiotic administration may significantly reduce serum CRP while having no significant effect on serum IL10 and TNF-α
We conducted this systematic review and meta- analysis of prospect i ve studies to determine the effect of  probiotic administration on serum C-reactive protein ( CRP ) concentrations .