Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBS, and emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may offer a promising therapeutic approach. This study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotics on gut microbiota composition in individuals with IBS. The research design involved a randomized controlled trial where individuals diagnosed with IBS were assigned to either a probiotic intervention group or a placebo group. Fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess changes in gut microbiota composition using advanced sequencing techniques. The findings revealed that individuals in the probiotic intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in gut microbiota diversity compared to those in the placebo group. Specifically, there was a notable increase in beneficial bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while the abundance of pathogenic bacteria was reduced. Furthermore, the probiotic intervention was associated with improvements in IBS symptoms, including reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and improved bowel habits. These clinical improvements were correlated with changes in gut microbiota composition, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of probiotics in managing IBS. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the beneficial effects of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and clinical outcomes in individuals with IBS. The findings support the use of probiotics as a safe and effective adjunct therapy for managing IBS symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota. Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the interaction between probiotics and gut microbiota in the context of IBS. Keywords Irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics, gut microbiota, microbial diversity, clinical outcomes.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The effect of probiotics on gut microbiota composition in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)" aims to investigate the potential impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota composition in individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but emerging research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota may play a role in the development and progression of the condition. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are known to modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, which in turn can influence various aspects of gastrointestinal health. By exploring the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota of individuals with IBS, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of probiotics in managing IBS symptoms and improving overall gut health. The research overview will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on probiotics, gut microbiota, and their relevance to IBS. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current knowledge gaps and research trends in this field. The methodology section will outline the experimental design, participant recruitment criteria, probiotic intervention protocols, and microbiota analysis techniques to be employed in the study. Data analysis will involve assessing changes in gut microbiota composition pre- and post-probiotic intervention, as well as correlating these changes with improvements in IBS symptoms reported by the participants. The discussion of findings will explore the implications of the results in the context of existing theories and hypotheses related to the gut-brain axis, microbiota-gut-brain axis, and the role of probiotics in gut health. By shedding light on the potential mechanisms through which probiotics may influence gut microbiota composition and alleviate IBS symptoms, this project aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the gut-brain axis and microbiota-gut-brain communication. The findings of this research could have important implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for managing IBS and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this chronic condition.