The gut-eye axis

The overall link between gut microbiota and systemic inflammation, leading to the onset of many varied disease types, is well-documented. Among these conditions are a number of ocular diseases, from age-related macular degeneration and uveitis to dry eye disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, chalaziosis and blepharitis.

Systemic immune defects or alterations are thought to be at the basis of ocular inflammatory diseases like uveitis. There is now a good understanding of how intestinal mucosal immunity can significantly contribute to systemic immunity. Changes in both the intestinal microbiota and intestinal permeability may be associated with pathogenesis and the severity of ocular inflammation. The gut microbiome has a significant impact on these factors and on the immune system. In this context, trials indicate that probiotics may be seen as an effective safeguard against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Visual acuity

In its first target area, Probiotical applied clinical studies to improving best corrected visual acuity, reducing ocular inflammation and helping to prevent the recurrence of uveitis. Possible mechanisms of efficacy have been found in the protection and restoration of the intestinal barrier function and the low activation of cellular immunity. Here, cellular immunity is measured in terms of the regulatory T-cells (IL-17), where the signal may be blocked which otherwise triggers the inflammatory cascade that represents the first step towards uveal inflammation.

Probiotical’s PROBIAL Vision UVEA is the product which has been studied in relation to these ocular inflammation outcomes.

Challenging Chalaziosis

Chalaziosis is characterised by inflammatory eyelid lesions affecting the meibomian gland. Multiple potential factors have been cited in relation to its pathogenesis, including disruption of the normal ocular surface microbiome.

Probiotical undertook clinical investigations which demonstrated faster and more complete resolution of chalaziosis in response to a three-strain probiotic blend. One of the strains featured, S. thermophilus ST10, has been the subject of much study regarding its copious production of exopolysaccharides and its ability to completely restore the physiological functions of the intestinal barrier. This trio of strains was the basis for the company’s PROBIAL CHALAT product.

Dry Eye and Sjögren’s Syndromes

The third area of ocular health targeted by Probiotical relates to the type of inflammation which will too often lead to Dry Eye Syndrome and Sjögren’s Syndrome. Here, the focus was on probiotic strains demonstrating strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and antipathogenic properties. A particular target was the pro-inflammatory IL-8 cytokine, which is known to be the most heavily implicated in Sjögren’s Syndrome.

The same complex, multi-strain combination was studied in the context of Dry Eye Syndrome, and showed not only an improvement in the symptoms but also a significant strengthening in the defence of ocular surface systems. The studies also detected a modulation of the eye microbiota, with a reduction in the total number of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.

This blend of probiotics strains led to the development of Probiotical’s PROBIAL Vision DRY.

A word on the company

Probiotical is one of the leading probiotic manufacturers at a global level. Its extensive portfolio encompasses over 60 strains in production. This means that probiotic products can be customised to suit the specific needs of any well-defined market. The allergen-free strains can be formulated ‘nude’ or microencapsulated, either in all-probiotic blends or with other ingredients, such as botanicals or vitamins. The company handles the entire process, from fermentation to finished product, inside its own facilities. Close collaboration over the years with a high-powered research network, including leading universities, means the science behind its portfolio is exceptionally strong.

Meet Margherita and the Probiotical team at their booth F110 during the coming Vitafoods show.