Effects of long-term administration of Multi-Strain Probiotic on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Background: Mental disorders is one of the main causes of disability and lower life expectancy among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The present trial aimed to examine the efficacy of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with MS.

Methods: This trial was conducted among 70 patients with MS that referred to the MS Association. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups to receive 2 multi-strain probiotic capsules or placebo, daily for six months. Serum BDNF, NGF and IL-6 was measured by ELISA kits. Mental health parameters were assessed by valid questionnaires in the baseline and end of the study.

Results: Of the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 65 subjects were included in the final analysis. From baseline to 6 months, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in BDNF and a significant reduction in the IL-6 levels (P < 0.001). Our findings revealed that probiotic supplementation compared to placebo caused a significant improvement in the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) (−5.31 ± 4.62 vs. −1.81 ± 4.23; P = 0.002), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) (−4.81 ± 0.79 vs. −1.90 ± 0.96; P = 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (−3.81 ± 6.56 vs. 0.24 ± 5.44; P = 0.007) and Pain Rating Index (PRI) (−3.15 ± 4.51 vs. −0.09 ± 3.67; P = 0.004). However, we not found any significant difference between the two groups in other factors (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Overall, six months of probiotic supplementation resulted in greater improvement in mental health parameters.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiple sclerosis
• probiotic
• depression
• BDNF
• NGF
• pain
• RCT
• IL-6

Acknowledgements

This paper was a part of the PhD. thesis written by Mehran Rahimlou (Project Code: NRC-9719). We are grateful to all the patients involved in this trial and their families. Also, the authors gratefully acknowledgement from all the staff of the MS Research Center of Khuzestan province for their valuable cooperation. MR, DH and SAH designed the research; MR and NM contributed to acquisition of data. SAH and MHH performed statistical analyses and interpretation of data. MR and DH wrote the manuscript. SAH and NM contributed to critical revision of the manuscript. Each author has participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a grant from the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Notes on contributors

Mehran Rahimlou

Mehran Rahimlou is PhD in nutrition from AJUMS University, who works at this university.

Seyed Ahmad Hosseini

Seyed Ahmad Hosseini is assistant professor in AJUMS University and head of nutrition group.

Nastaran Majdinasab

Nastaran Majdinasab is assistant professor in AJUMS University and head of neurology group in Golestan hospital.

Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh

Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh is PhD in Epidemiology.

Durdana Husain

Durdana Husain is PhD in nutrition and work in AJUMS University.