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 probiotics on serum levels of Th1/Th2 cytokine and clinical outcomes in severe traumatic brain-injured patients: a prospective randomized pilot study
Introduction Traumatic brain injury ( TBI ) is associated with a profound immunological dysfunction manifested by a severe shift from T-helper type 1 ( Th1 ) to T-helper type 2 ( Th2 ) response . This predisposes patients to infections , sepsis , and adverse outcomes . Probiotic bacteria have been shown to balance the Th1/Th2 cytokines in allergic murine models and patients . For the present study , we hypothesized that the enteral administration of probiotics would adjust the Th1/Th2 imbalance and improve clinical outcomes in TBI patients . Methods We design ed a prospect i ve , r and omized , single-blind study . Patients with severe TBI and Glasgow Coma Scale scores between 5 and 8 were included , result ing in 26 patients in the control group and 26 patients in the probiotic group .  All patients received enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube within 24 to 48 hours following admission . In addition , the probiotic group received 109 bacteria of viable probiotics per day for 21 days . The associated serum levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines , Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation ( APACHE ) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment ( SOFA ) scores , nosocomial infections , length of ICU stay , and 28-day mortality rate were studied . Results The patients responded to viable probiotics , and showed a significantly higher increase in serum IL-12p70 and IFNγ levels while also experiencing a dramatic decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations . APACHE II and SOFA scores were not significantly affected by probiotic treatment . Patients in the probiotic group experienced a decreased incidence of nosocomial infections towards the end of the study . Shorter ICU stays were also observed among patients treated with probiotic therapy . However , the 28-day mortality rate was unaffected . Conclusions The present study showed that daily prophylactic administration of probiotics could attenuate the deviated Th1/Th2 response induced by severe TBI , and could result in a decreased nosocomial infection rate , especially in the late period . Trial registration ChiCTR-TRC-10000835
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 .