Immunomodulatory Potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus: Implications in Bone Health

Abstract

Lactobacillus acidophilus is homofermentative anaerobic rod-shaped gram-positive bacteria. L. acidophilous is one of the most common probiotics and is used for the treatment of various gastrointestinal, metabolic and inflammatory disorders. L. acidophilous produces antimicrobial compounds, maintains gut permeability and prevents dysbiosis. L. acidophilus also shows various other properties such as: it is anticarcinogenic, lowers serum cholesterol level and improves lactase metabolism of host. One of the most significant property of L. acidophilous is that it modulates the immune system and can prevent various inflammatory disorders. L. acidophilous influences several immune cells such as Th17 cells and Tregs. Various studies reported that inflammation induces bone loss and leads to several bone pathologies such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Recent studies have shown the potential of probiotics in preventing inflammation mediated bone loss. L. acidophilous is one of these probiotics and is found capable in inhibition of various bone disorders. L. acidophilous restores the dysregulated immune homeostasis and prevents inflammatory bone loss. Thus, L. acidophilous can be a potential therapeutic for the management of various bone pathologies. In this book chapter we reviewed various immunomodulatory properties of L. acidophilous along with its efficacy in preventing dysbiosis and maintaining gut permeability. We also discussed the potential role of L. acidophilous as a therapeutic for the management of inflammation induced bone disorders.