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Prebiotics and Probiotics Supplementation in Pigs as a Model for Human Gut Health and Disease

Summary

Pigs are excellent models for studying human digestive health because their gut anatomy and function closely resemble humans. This review shows that prebiotics (special food compounds) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can improve gut health and strengthen the intestinal barrier in both healthy pigs and those with infections. These findings suggest that similar treatments might help prevent and treat digestive diseases in humans.

Background

The pig is recognized as a valuable animal model for studying human gut health due to anatomical and physiological similarities. A healthy gastrointestinal tract is closely linked to prevention of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Prebiotics and probiotics play important roles in maintaining digestive system health and modulating body functions.

Objective

This review focuses on the applications of prebiotics and probiotics in pigs as an animal model to evaluate their efficacy in both healthy and diseased conditions relevant to human health outcomes. The review aims to highlight how pig models can effectively translate findings for improving human gut health.

Results

Data demonstrate that GOS and FOS prebiotic supplementation positively affects intestinal morphology, tight junction protein expression, and microbiota composition. Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus species reduces rotavirus diarrhea, enhances immune responses, and prevents dysbiosis. HMA gnotobiotic pigs provided improved models for studying human microbiota interactions and immune responses.

Conclusion

The evidence supports use of prebiotics to improve intestinal health in both healthy and diseased states in pigs as human models. HMA gnotobiotic pigs represent an improved model for studying host-microbiome interactions relevant to human health. Standardization of dosage and duration of supplementation is needed for more reliable translational outcomes.
  • Published in:Biomolecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40427557
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