Recent advances in the role of probiotics in human inflammation and gut health.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides residence to an astounding number of bacterial species, which have profound effects on host biology, function, physiology, and immune response. Discovery of "symbiosis factors" from symbionts that facilitate the peaceful coexistence of microbiota and the host immune system are of interest. Symbionts synthesize immunomodulatory molecules that guide maturation of the immune system and have pivotal roles in many biological processes; however, individuals differ in the makeup of their GI microbiota, which is influenced by many external and internal factors such as diet, antibiotic use, and host genetics, which in turn influences health and disease outcomes. Various endogenous, genetic, and environmental factors influence GI development including species composition and health status of neonates, resulting in interactions that occur between the bacteria and the host. Mechanisms of probiotics involved in homeostasis of a balanced immune system have been inconclusive. The probable mechanism of action may be postulated as direct competition between pathogenic bacteria in the gut and/or immune modulation. This review focuses on probiotics in health and disease prevention, especially the biological importance of intestinal regulation of inflammatory processes that may be beneficial in a multitude of disorders both inside and outside the GI tract.