A review on the research progress on non-pharmacological therapy of Helicobacter pylori

Advances and optimization strategies in bacteriophage therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease

In the advancement of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment, existing therapeutic methods exhibit limitations; they do not offer a complete cure for IBD and can trigger adverse side effects. Consequently, the exploration of novel therapies and multifaceted treatment strategies provides patients with a broader range of options. Within the framework of IBD, gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in disease onset through diverse mechanisms. Bacteriophages, as natural microbial regulators, demonstrate remarkable specificity by accurately identifying and eliminating specific pathogens, thus holding therapeutic promise. Although clinical trials have affirmed the safety of phage therapy, its efficacy is prone to external influences during storage and transport, which may affect its infectivity and regulatory roles within the microbiota. Improving the stability and precise dosage control of bacteriophages-ensuring robustness in storage and transport, consistent dosing, and targeted delivery to infection sites-is crucial. This review thoroughly explores the latest developments in IBD treatment and its inherent challenges, focusing on the interaction between the microbiota and bacteriophages. It highlights bacteriophages' potential as microbiome modulators in IBD treatment, offering detailed insights into research on bacteriophage encapsulation and targeted delivery mechanisms. Particular attention is paid to the functionality of various carrier systems, especially regarding their protective properties and ability for colon-specific delivery. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for using bacteriophages as microbiome modulators in IBD treatment, paving the way for enhanced regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Research progress in photodynamic therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a pathogenic microorganism that colonizes the human gastric mucosa and can lead to various gastric disorders, including gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. However, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori has prompted the search for alternative treatment options. Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a potential alternative therapy, thus offering the advantage of avoiding some of the side effects associated with antibiotics and effectively targeting drug-resistant strains. In the postantibiotic era, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promise as a novel treatment for H. pylori infection. This review focused on elucidating the mechanism of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of H. pylori. Additionally, we present an overview of the current research on photodynamic therapy by examining both standalone photodynamic therapy and combination therapies for H. pylori infection treatment. Furthermore, the safety profile of photodynamic therapy was also evaluated. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects associated with this innovative technology, with an aim to provide new insights and methodologies for the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 in Helicobacter pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice: prevention is better than cure

Objectives

This study was performed to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 on H. pylori infections of the stomach tissue in C57BL/6 mice.

Methods

In this study, 40 specific-pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups, namely, the control, ZFM4 pretreatment) ZFM4 pretreatment before H. pylori infected), model (H. pylori infected), triple therapy (H. pylori infected and treated with triple therapy), and ZFM4 treatment groups (H. pylori infected and treated with ZFM4). The preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 were evaluated in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice by assessing gastric tissue morphology, inflammatory cytokine levels, microbial composition, and microbial diversity.

Results

Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 was able to survive in low gastric pH and play a role in preventing H. pylori infection. This was evident from a reduction in both, the gastric inflammatory response and expression of inflammatory factors caused by H. pylori infection. Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 could also inhibit the growth of H. pylori via its beneficial impact on the gastric microbiota.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 offers superior preventive effects against H. pylori infections when used alone. However, the therapeutic effect on established infections is weaker. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the specific dosage, duration, and other aspects of administration.