Study examines effect of probiotic blend on restoring gut barrier function in IBS patients
Using the i3.1 blend from AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics, researchers explored the role of probiotics in gut permeability and inflammation linked to IBS.
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In an April 1, 2025, press release, AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics announced results from an ex vivo study on the effects of a probiotic strain on intestinal permeability caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) mediators. The study also aimed to clarify underlying molecular mechanisms of IBS support. The strains used in the study were two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains and one Pediococcus acidilactici, marketed as the i3.1 blend from AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics. The study, “Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CECT7484 and CECT7485) and Pedioccoccus acidilactici (CECT7483) enhance actin cytoskeleton and CYP1A1 expression restoring epithelial permeability alterations induced by irritable bowel syndrome mediators,” was published in January 2025 in Gut Microbes. The study was supported by a grant from AB-Biotics, an affiliate company of Kaneka.
“The strains in i3.1 were specifically selected for their potential to target the key pathophysiological factors of IBS, namely increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and IBS-specific gut dysbiosis,” stated Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, director of innovation at AB-Biotics, in the press release. “Understanding more about how these strains restore the intestinal barrier by evaluating their effects on intestinal cells is central to our precision probiotics approach, and further builds the body of evidence for next generation solutions to alleviate the effects of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.”
The study involved 21 participants with IBS and used a control group of seven healthy participants. Biopsies were taken from the participants and incubated with the i3.1 probiotic blend in two different doses (104 and 106 CFU/ml). After three hours of incubation, both doses of the probiotic increased permeability induced by IBS mediators, the researchers stated. Compared to only IBS mediators, the higher dose significantly increased CYP1A1 expression.
Overall, the results suggest that probiotics may have an effect on changing the intestinal epithelial barrier and supporting symptom relief, the researchers concluded, and additional studies are needed to test the probiotic’s safety and efficacy.
“We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking results of this study, made possible by the collaboration with Professor Barbara and the Gastroenterology Unit of University of Bologna,” stated Espadaler-Mazo. “These new findings reinforce previous clinical evidence which showed that our i3.1 probiotic blend helps reduce stress-induced abdominal symptoms and improves the quality of life for IBS patients. Through this research partnership, and others like it, we are excited to continue building the science and understanding behind the role of probiotics in conditions of the gut-brain axis – revealing opportunities to transform peoples’ lives.”
Reference
- Barbaro, MR.; Bianco, F.; Cremon, C.; Marasco, G.; Bonomini, F.; Palombo, M.; Delprete, C.; Perez, M.; Espalder-Mazo, J.; Stanghellini, V.; Guglielmetti, S.; Barbara, G. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CECT7484 and CECT7485) and Pedioccoccus acidilactici (CECT7483) enhance actin cytoskeleton and CYP1A1 expression restoring epithelial permeability alterations induced by irritable bowel syndrome mediators. Gut Microbes, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2452235.
