Probiotics and ileitis Could augmentation of TNF/NF kappa B activity be the answer?

Probiotics have gained tremendous popularity amongst individuals searching for alternative and natural means to promote intestinal health. It has been suggested that the probiotic formulation VSL# 3 promotes several aspects of intestinal health including attenuation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although a definitive mechanism of action has not been clearly identified, it is generally accepted that probiotics suppress development of chronic inflammation by inhibiting activation of various inflammatory signaling pathways. This concept however needs to be revisited in light of a recent publication by Pagnini et al. showing that VSL#3 prevents development of ileitis through activation of NF kappa B and production of the prototypical inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha.