Immune Response to Probiotics and Physical Activity: A Clinical Study

Trends in Immunotherapy

Review Article

Immune Response to Probiotics and Physical Activity: A Clinical Study

Downloads

https://doi.org/10.54963/ti.v9i4.1019
Abdukalykovna, I. Z., Jamil, R. S., Naji, H. A., Jamal, Z. A., Saleh, S., & Nurlanovna, O. A. (2025). Immune Response to Probiotics and Physical Activity: A Clinical Study. Trends in Immunotherapy, 9(4), 120–129. https://doi.org/10.54963/ti.v9i4.1019
Volume 9 Issue 4 (December 2025): In Progress
Copyright (c) 2025 Israilova Zeinep Abdukalykovna, Raed Sami Jamil, Hasanain Amer Naji, Zahaa Aldeen Jamal, Saad Saleh, Omorova Aizhan Nurlanovna
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright

The authors shall retain the copyright of their work but allow the Publisher to publish, copy, distribute, and convey the work.

License

Trends in Immunotherapy (TI)  publishes accepted manuscripts under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Authors who submit their papers for publication by TI agree to have the CC BY 4.0 license applied to their work, and that anyone is allowed to reuse the article or part of it free of charge for any purpose, including commercial use. As long as the author and original source are properly cited, anyone may copy, redistribute, reuse, and transform the content.

Authors

  • Israilova Zeinep Abdukalykovna

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osh State University, Osh 723500, Kyrgyzstan
  • Raed Sami Jamil

    Department of Internal Medicine, Al Mansour University College, Baghdad 10067, Iraq
  • Hasanain Amer Naji

    Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Turath University, Baghdad 10013, Iraq
  • Zahaa Aldeen Jamal

    Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10064, Iraq
  • Saad Saleh

    Department of Internal Medicine, Madenat Alelem University College, Baghdad 10006, Iraq
  • Omorova Aizhan Nurlanovna

    Department of Clinical Disciplines 1, International Medical Faculty, Osh State University, Osh 723500, Kyrgyzstan

Received: 13 February 2025; Revised: 14 March 2025; Accepted: 25 March 2025; Published: 14 November 2025

This study assessed the effect of probiotic supplementation on immune response in physically active males before and after exhausting exercise. With growing evidence linking gut health to immune function, the aim was to determine whether 12 weeks of probiotics could influence key immune markers in athletes. In this semi-experimental study, 28 male athletes (18–35 years) from sports centers in Osh City, Kyrgyzstan, who engaged in regular training (≥ 3 days/week for ≥ 3 years) were randomly assigned to probiotic or placebo groups. Baseline characteristics included age (20.98 ± 5.9 years), weight (62.3 ± 9.8 kg), height (168.2 ± 7.6 cm), BMI (22.05 ± 2.4 kg/m²), and VO₂ max (59.98 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min), with no significant differences between groups. Immune markers—cell blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobulin A (IgA)—were monitored at rest and after exercise. Probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in monocyte levels at rest and during activity compared to placebo. Within the probiotic group, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte percentages rose significantly during activity (p < 0.001). These results indicate that probiotics may positively modulate immune function in athletes under high physical stress. Given that intense training can suppress immunity and increase susceptibility to illness, probiotic use may enhance gut microbiota, supporting immune resilience. A balanced microbiome not only aids digestion and nutrient absorption but also plays a vital role in regulating inflammation and immune responses. These findings support probiotics as a potential strategy to maintain immune health in physically active populations, warranting further investigation into strain-specific effects and long-term benefits.

Keywords:

Probiotic Supplementation Physical Activity Immune Response IgA Blood Cells

References

  1. da Silveira, M.P.; da Silva Fagundes, K.K.; Bizuti, M.R.; et al. Physical Exercise as a Tool to Help the Immune System Against COVID-19: An Integrative Review of the Current Literature. Clin. Exp. Med. 2021, 21, 15–28.
  2. Nieman, D.C.; Wentz, L.M. The Compelling Link Between Physical Activity and the Body's Defense System. J. Sport Health Sci. 2019, 8, 201–217.
  3. Belkaid, Y.; Hand, T.W. Role of the Microbiota in Immunity and Inflammation. Cell 2014, 157, 121–141.
  4. Hou, K.; Wu, Z.X.; Chen, X.Y.; et al. Microbiota in Health and Diseases. Signal Transduct. Target. Ther. 2022, 7, 135.
  5. Monda, V.; Villano, I.; Messina, A.; et al. Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2017, 2017, 3831972.
  6. Lu, Y.; Fan, C.; Li, P.; et al. Short Chain Fatty Acids Prevent High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice by Regulating G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Gut Microbiota. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 37589.
  7. Mach, N.; Fuster-Botella, D. Endurance Exercise and Gut Microbiota: A Review. J. Sport Health Sci. 2017, 6, 179–197.
  8. Butcher, N.J.; Monsour, A.; Mew, E.J.; et al. Guidelines for Reporting Outcomes in Trial Reports: The CONSORT-Outcomes 2022 Extension. JAMA 2022, 328, 2252–2264.
  9. Armstrong, T.; Bull, F. Development of the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). J. Public Health 2006, 14, 66–70.
  10. Ahmad, S.M.; Haskell, M.J.; Raqib, R.; et al. Markers of Innate Immune Function Are Associated with Vitamin A Stores in Men. J. Nutr. 2009, 139, 377–385.
  11. Saulnier, D.M.; Ringel, Y.; Heyman, M.B.; et al. The Intestinal Microbiome, Probiotics and Prebiotics in Neurogastroenterology. Gut Microbes 2013, 4, 17–27.
  12. Hashemi, B.; Abdollahi, M.; Abbaspour-Aghdam, S.; et al. The Effect of Probiotics on Immune Responses and Their Therapeutic Application: A New Treatment Option for Multiple Sclerosis. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2023, 159, 114195.
  13. Tavares-Silva, E.; Caris, A.V.; Santos, S.A.; et al. Effect of Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplementation on URTI Symptoms and Cytokine Production by Monocytes After a Marathon Race: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Study. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1478.
  14. Guo, Y.T.; Peng, Y.C.; Yen, H.Y.; et al. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Immune and Inflammatory Markers in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Medicina 2022, 58, 1188.
  15. Gleeson, M. Immune Function in Sport and Exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 2007, 103, 693–699.
  16. Drummond, L.R.; Campos, H.O.; Drummond, F.R.; et al. Acute and Chronic Effects of Physical Exercise on IgA and IgG Levels and Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pflugers Arch. 2022, 474, 1221–1248.
  17. Yan, F.; Polk, D.B. Probiotics and Immune Health. Curr. Opin. Gastroenterol. 2011, 27, 496–501.
  18. Obianwuna, U.E.; Kalu, N.A.; Wang, J.; et al. Recent Trends on Mitigative Effect of Probiotics on Oxidative-Stress-Induced Gut Dysfunction in Broilers Under Necrotic Enteritis Challenge: A Review. Animals 2023, 12, 911.
  19. Al-Najjar, M.A.A.; Abdulrazzaq, S.B.; Alzaghari, L.F.; et al. Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Potential of Probiotic Conditioned Medium on Murine Macrophages. Sci. Rep. 2024, 14, 7126.
  20. Zhang, Y.; Yang, L.; Zhang, J.; et al. Oral or Intranasal Immunization with Recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum Displaying Head Domain of Swine Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin Protects Mice from H1N1 Virus. Microb. Cell Fact. 2022, 21, 185.
  21. Agraib, L.M.; Yamani, M.I.; Tayyem, R.; et al. Probiotic Supplementation Induces Remission and Changes in the Immunoglobulins and Inflammatory Response in Active Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin. Nutr. ESPEN 2022, 51, 83–91.
  22. Parkin, J.; Cohen, B. An Overview of the Immune System. Lancet 2001, 357, 1777–1789.
  23. de Vrese, M.; Winkler, P.; Rautenberg, P.; et al. Probiotic Bacteria Reduced Duration and Severity but Not the Incidence of Common Cold Episodes in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Vaccine 2006, 24, 6670–6674.
  24. Berg, A.; Müller, H.M.; Rathmann, S.; et al. The Gastrointestinal System—An Essential Target Organ of the Athlete’s Health and Physical Performance. Exerc. Immunol. Rev. 1999, 5, 78–95.
  25. Shen, J.; Ordovas, J.M. Impact of Genetic and Environmental Factors on hsCRP Concentrations and Response to Therapeutic Agents. Clin. Chem. 2009, 55, 256–264.
  26. Albers, R.; Antoine, J.M.; Bourdet-Sicard, R.; et al. Markers to Measure Immunomodulation in Human Nutrition Intervention Studies. Br. J. Nutr. 2005, 94, 452–481.
  27. Gleize, B.; Tourniaire, F.; Depezay, L.; et al. Effect of Type of TAG Fatty Acids on Lutein and Zeaxanthin Bioavailability. Br. J. Nutr. 2013, 110, 1–10.
  28. Di Dio, M.; Calella, P.; Pelullo, C.P.; et al. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Sports Performance and Performance-Related Features in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 2226.
  29. Corthésy, B.; Gaskins, H.R.; Mercenier, A. Cross-Talk Between Probiotic Bacteria and the Host Immune System. J. Nutr. 2007, 137, 781S–790S.
  30. Filidou, E.; Kandilogiannakis, L.; Shrewsbury, A.; et al. Probiotics: Shaping the Gut Immunological Responses. World J. Gastroenterol. 2024, 30, 2096–2108.
  31. Behera, S.S.; Ray, R.C.; Zdolec, N. Lactobacillus plantarum With Functional Properties: An Approach to Increase Safety and Shelf-Life of Fermented Foods. Biomed. Res. Int. 2018, 2018, 9361614.
  32. Hranush, H.; Hayk, S.; Arakelyan, H. Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics. ResearchGate 2021. (in Armenian)
  33. Markowiak, P.; Śliżewska, K. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients 2017, 9, 1021.
  34. Dekaboruah, E.; Suryavanshi, M.V.; Chettri, D.; et al. Human Microbiome: An Academic Update on Human Body Site Specific Surveillance and Its Possible Role. Arch. Microbiol. 2020, 202, 2147–2167.
  35. Ağagündüz, D.; Cocozza, E.; Cemali, Ö.; et al. Understanding the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Review. Front. Pharmacol. 2023, 14, 1130562.
  36. Winer, D.A.; Luck, H.; Tsai, S.; et al. The Intestinal Immune System in Obesity and Insulin Resistance. Cell Metab. 2016, 23, 413–426.
  37. Dmytriv, T.R.; Storey, K.B.; Lushchak, V.I. Intestinal Barrier Permeability: The Influence of Gut Microbiota, Nutrition, and Exercise. Front. Physiol. 2024, 15, 1380713.
  38. Hoogendoorn, C.J.; Roy, J.F.; Gonzalez, J.S. Shared Dysregulation of Homeostatic Brain-Body Pathways in Depression and Type 2 Diabetes. Curr. Diab. Rep. 2017, 17, 90.
  39. Refisch, A.; Sen, Z.D.; Klassert, T.E.; et al. Microbiome and Immuno-Metabolic Dysregulation in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder With Atypical Clinical Presentation. Neuropharmacology 2023, 235, 109568.
  40. An, L.; Wirth, U.; Koch, D.; et al. The Role of Gut-Derived Lipopolysaccharides and the Intestinal Barrier in Fatty Liver Diseases. J. Gastrointest. Surg. 2022, 26, 671–683.

Copyright © UK Scientific Publishing Limited.