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 .
Effects of probiotic therapy on the activity and activation of mild rheumatoid arthritis – a pilot study
Objective : To study the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ( LGG ) on rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) . Methods : Twenty‐one RA patients were r and omised to receive 2 capsules of LGG or a placebo twice daily in double‐blind fashion for 12 months . Arthritis activity was evaluated by clinical examination , HAQ index , and laboratory tests ( e.g. ESR , CRP , pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines ) . Results : There were no statistical differences in the clinical parameters , biochemical variables and HAQ index between the study groups over the intervention period . The mean number of tender and swollen joints decreased from 8.3 to 4.6 in the Lactobacillus group and from 5.5 to 4.8 in the placebo group ( p=0.41 ) . According to the global assessment the RA activity was reduced in 71 % ( LGG group ) vs. 30 % ( controls ) ( p=0.15 ) . Serum IL‐1β increased slightly in the LGG group ( p=0.07 ) , but no differences were seen in IL‐6 , TNF‐α , MPO , IL‐10 or 1L‐12 . Conclusions : Although there were no statistical significant differences in the activity of RA , more subjects in the LGG group reported subjective well being . More studies on the effects of probiotic bacteria in RA are needed
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 .