Synergistic effect of probiotics, butyrate and l-Carnitine in treatment of IBD

Genetic, environmental factors, dysregulation of immune system, intestinal microbes and oxidative stress are the most important factors that play the role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current treatments do not always result in complete remission and usually accompanied with several adverse effects. Recent studies showed that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and oxidative stress play the pivotal role in the induction of inflammation. Butyrate, l-Carnitine, and probiotics have the potential to control inflammation by reduction of main inflammatory cytokines, including NF-κB and TNF-α. They also stimulate antioxidant enzymes and inhibit IκB kinase (IKK). Regarding the beneficial effects of these three compounds in inflammation via several mechanisms, we hypothesize that the mixture of these compounds would be synergistically effective in reduction of inflammation and alleviation of IBD. Further experimental investigations are needed, to evaluate the hypothesis.