Effects of long-term administration of Multi-Strain Probiotic on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background:Mental disorders is one of the main causes of disability and lower life expectancy among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The present trial aimed to examine the efficacy of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with MS. Methods:This trial was conducted among 70 patients with MS that referred to the MS Association. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups to receive 2 multi-strain probiotic capsules or placebo, daily for six months. Serum BDNF, NGF and IL-6 was measured by ELISA kits. Mental health parameters were assessed by valid questionnaires in the baseline and end of the study. Results:Of the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 65 subjects were included in the final analysis. From baseline to 6 months, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in BDNF and a significant reduction in the IL-6 levels (P < 0.001). Our findings revealed that probiotic supplementation compared to placebo caused a significant improvement in the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) (-5.31 +/- 4.62 vs. -1.81 +/- 4.23;P = 0.002), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) (-4.81 +/- 0.79 vs. -1.90 +/- 0.96;P = 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (-3.81 +/- 6.56 vs. 0.24 +/- 5.44;P = 0.007) and Pain Rating Index (PRI) (-3.15 +/- 4.51 vs. -0.09 +/- 3.67;P = 0.004). However, we not found any significant difference between the two groups in other factors (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Overall, six months of probiotic supplementation resulted in greater improvement in mental health parameters.

Automated summary

The study found that six months of probiotic supplementation in patients with MS led to significant improvements in mental health parameters, including increased BDNF levels, decreased IL-6 levels, and improved scores on various health questionnaires.