Probiotics may be getting a whole lot more popular very soon if tweaks in the genetic makeup of one beneficial bacteria fed to animals in the lab benefit humans as well.

The deletion of a single gene in the Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic fed to mice infected with varying kinds of colitis was responsible for nearly eliminating colon inflammation and stopping the progression of this disease by an amazing 95 percent in just 13 days.

This genetically modified probiotic worked by marshalling the gut's dendritic cells (messenger immune cells) that boosted the production of other functional immune cells, thus creating a better intestinal balance and significantly reducing inflammation.

Diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may not be the only ones helped by this "tweaked" probiotic. One specific autoimmune disease of the gut that's triggered by imbalances in inflammatory immune responses -- colon cancer -- could be treated and helped as well.

My only concern: Could this latest genetically modified probiotic also be a problem? Time will tell…

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 31, 2011

PhysOrg.com January 31, 2011

MSNBC January 31, 2011

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