1.
From germ theory to germ therapy.
Chen, CC, Chen, YN, Liou, JM, Wu, MS, ,
The Kaohsiung journal of medical sciences. 2019;(2):73-82
Abstract
Germ theory of disease and Koch's postulates has been governing our understanding of the role of microbes in human health since 19th century. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and H. pylori associated diseases has typically represented the concept and framework of Koch's postulates. Eradication of H. pylori to prevent peptic ulcers recurrence and gastric cancer is the triumph of this microbiology paradigm. Advances of next generation sequencing provide great insight into the unculturable microbes and show trillions of microbes have evolved with human beings. Research into the microbiome-the microbial communities (microbiota) and the host environment that they inhabit-has changed our understanding about microbes in human health and disease. The gut microbiota, the largest reservoir of the microbiome in human, plays a critical role in our catabolic-metabolism and immunity. This review will show the changes of the view of microbes on human health. We will briefly discuss dysbiosis, the disruption of symbiotic relationship between the host and microbiota, and the associated diseases. This leads to an idea to manipulate the microbiota, either by restoring missing functions or by eliminating harmful functions, to prevent or treat a variety of diseases. Current evidences of two common germ therapies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics, in treating diseases will be reviewed.
2.
Probiotics and the mechanism of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Chen, CC, Allan Walker, W
Seminars in pediatric surgery. 2013;(2):94-100
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal inflammatory disorder in newborns. Although the pathogenesis of NEC is not completely understood, we reviewed the literature and our previous studies to explore the mechanism of NEC and to evaluate the role for probiotics in this disease. NEC may be associated with an inappropriate innate immune and excessive inflammatory response of the immature intestine. Probiotics are widely used in promoting human health and adjunctive therapy of human disease. There are growing clinical trials and research studies that support a beneficial role for probiotics for NEC. We have reviewed the literature associated with the use of probiotics in NEC.
3.
Clinical applications of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in children.
Chen, CC, Walker, WA
The National medical journal of India. 2011;(3):153-60
Abstract
Probiotics are widely used in promoting human health and adjunctive therapy of human disease. Many clinical trials and research studies have shown benefits of probiotics. We review the literature associated with the clinical applications of probiotics in paediatric diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis, infantile colic, infectious diarrhoea or gastrointestinal infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, constipation, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. We also summarize the representative probiotics that are commonly used in paediatric diseases.
4.
Probiotics and prebiotics: role in clinical disease states.
Chen, CC, Walker, WA
Advances in pediatrics. 2005;:77-113
Abstract
Parents of pediatric patients are seeking alternatives to conventional therapy in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease states because of therapeutic failures caused by the increased incidence of antibiotic resistance. One such alternative is the use of probiotics and prebiotics to stimulate health-promoting indigenous flora to affect pathogen colonization and expression of disease. Probiotics are live flora given in oral quantities that allow for colonization of the colon. Probiotics are given as functional foods or dietary supplements, and function to activate the mucosal immune system and prevent pathogen colonization and translocation by strengthening the mucosal barrier, interfering with pathogen colonization, and in some instances, producing secretory antibacterial substances. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates, principally oligosoccharides, that are fermented by colonic commensals, stimulating their proliferation and producing short-chain fatty acids. Both protective nutrients have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of infantile diarrhea, particularly rotaviral gastroenteritis, prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea, and prevent and treat intestinal food allergy. With additional multicenter clinical trial confirmations, these substances may become routine in the care of infants and young children.