| [ Summary ] |
Alterations of the intestinal microflora are associated with various intestinal disorders. Improving these alterations is therefore a target for the treatment of intestinal disorders. Antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics are used to improve the status of the intestinal microflora. It has been reported that the combination of amoxicillin, tetracycline and metronidazole relieves the intestinal inflammation of ulcerative colitis through the suppression of Fusobacterium varium, which substantially increases in number in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, it should be noted that antibiotics have the potential to cause antibiotic-induced enteritis. Probiotics improve acute enteritis related conditions, including antibiotic-induced colitis, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. It is still controversial as to whether probiotics are effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. Probiotics and prebiotics are thought to be safe drugs, even for elderly individuals and children. Bioactive molecules derived from probiotics have been identified and may have applications for the treatment of intestinal disorders. |