Re: Marsha/VSL#3

[Guest guest]

Hi Marsha,

I havn't been able to find the European study that you mentioned, but

this Canadian study suggests that it is effective in ulcerative

colitis:

Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jul;100(7):1539-46.

VSL#3 probiotic-mixture induces remission in patients with active

ulcerative colitis.

Bibiloni R, Fedorak RN, Tannock GW, Madsen KL, Gionchetti P, Campieri

M, De Simone C, Sartor RB

Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University

of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intestinal bacteria have been implicated in the

initiation and perpetuation of IBD; in contrast, " probiotic bacteria "

have properties possibly effective in treating and preventing relapse

of IBD. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of VSL#3 and the

components, and the composition of the biopsy-associated microbiota

in patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: Thirty-four ambulatory patients with active UC received open

label VSL#3, 3,600 billion bacteria daily in two divided doses for 6

wk. The presence of biopsy-associated bacteria was detected using a

nucleic acid-based method and the presence of VSL#3 species confirmed

by DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients completed

6 wk of VSL#3 treatment and 2 patients did not have the final

endoscopic assessment. Intent to treat analysis demonstrated

remission (UCDAI < or = 2) in 53% (n = 18); response (decrease in

UCDAI > or = 3, but final score > or =3) in 24% (n = 8); no response

in 9% (n = 3); worsening in 9% (n = 3); and failure to complete the

final sigmoidoscopy assessment in 5% (n = 2). There were no

biochemical or clinical adverse events related to VSL#3. Two of the

components of VSL#3 were detected by PCR/DGGE in biopsies collected

from 3 patients in remission. CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with

mild to moderate UC, not responding to conventional therapy, with

VSL#3 resulted in a combined induction of remission/response rate of

77% with no adverse events. At least some of the bacterial species

incorporated in the probiotic product reached the target site in

amounts that could be detected. PMID: 15984978.

Best regards,

Dave R.

> I recently started VSL#3 probiotics made esp. for people with UC.

I really think this is helping. I read about a study done in Europe

using probiotics but don't know how to find out the results. Does

anyone out there know the results?