Effect of probiotics on intestinal barrier function.

Impairment of the intestinal barrier is a key event in various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and critical illness. Recent studies demonstrated that probiotic bacteria have beneficial effects in these diseases by effectively improving intestinal barrier function. This article reviews available data on the effect of probiotics on intestinal barrier function in vitro, in animal models, and in clinical studies.