The potential therapeutic role of Lactobacillus reuteri for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disease of unknown etiology. However, recent studies have established a pathological role of disordered intestinal microbiota and immune dysregulation. Clinical studies have suggested that the reconstruction of the normal intestinal flora in patients with IBD can reverse the dysbiosis caused by genetic, environmental, dietary, or antibiotic factors to ameliorate the symptoms of IBD. Lactobacillus reuteri is widely present in the intestines of healthy individuals and regulates the intestinal immune system, reducing inflammation through multiple mechanisms. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of L. reuteri in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and considers its possible value as a new therapeutic agent for patients with IBD.