Author(s)

Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza^1*, Sandra Maria Barbalho^1,2, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart³, Antonely de Cássio Alves de Carvalho⁴

¹Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil.
²Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília and Food Technology School (FATEC), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil.
³Department of Gastroenteology, University Hospital-UNIMAR, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁴Diagnostic Center in Gastroenterology, Ibaiti, Paraná, Brazil.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and other auto-inflammatory disorders are conditions caused by chronic and persistent intestinal inflammation, which is mainly represented by Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease (CD), both of which typically arise as chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Doctor’s main focus for treating IBD is the decrease on inflammation processes when the disease is active and promotes the maintenance of inflammation at normal levels. However, to deal with these two parameters is not easy, because the drugs usually used are related to several side effects and they are not totally effective to reduce inflammation and to keep the remission. Authors agree that the therapy approach should include drugs, dietary intervention and use of alternative substances as probiotics. The standard treatment approach for patients with CD and UC is traditionally done with the use of anti-inflammatory agents, like corticosteroids, mesalamine, immunomodulators such as azathioprine and methotrexate, and biologic agents such as infliximab and others. Probiotics are known as viable micro-organisms (or live microorganisms or live microbial dietary supplements) that may promote beneficial physiologic or therapeutic properties when used correctly. The interest in the role of these substances in improving human health is the reason of several researches. They may be used to help the immune system, to control gastro-intestinal infections and to prevent several diseases. Prebiotics, symbiotics, and probiotics may be helpful as adjuvants in the treatment of IBD. Probiotics are normally well-tolerated and are associated with few side effects which are undoubtedly important in the treatment of any disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Immunomodulators, Biological Agents, Probiotics

de Souza, M. , Barbalho, S. , Goulart, R. and de Carvalho, A. (2015) The Current and Future Role of Drugs and Probiotics in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 3, 76-85. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2015.38008.