Efficacy of probiotic supplementation on quality of life and pulmonary symptoms due to sulfur mustard exposure: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of supplementation with probiotics in improving chronic pulmonary symptoms due to sulfur mustard (SM) exposure. Methods: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 65 subjects suffering from chronic pulmonary complications of SM were assigned to one probiotic capsule (1 × 10⁹ CFU containing seven strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria) every 12 h or an identical placebo for six weeks. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FEV1/FVC and MMEF 25–75%) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were assessed at baseline and at the end of trial. Results: The groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. There were significant improvements in FEV1/FVC in the probiotic but not in placebo group. CAT scores were decreased in both study groups. However, between-group comparison of changes in the assessed parameters reached statistical significance only for CAT score (p < 0.001). There was no report of adverse events during the course of trial. Conclusions: Findings of the present trial favor the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in improving the pulmonary symptoms of SM-exposed subjects.

• Probiotics
• sulfur mustard
• respiratory function
• inflammation
• quality of life
• randomized controlled trial

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their appreciation to appreciate Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science for the financial support of this study. Contribution of Zist Takhmir Co. (Tehran, Iran) in providing the study medication is also gratefully acknowledged.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no financial interests related to the material in the manuscript. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.