Efficacy of probiotic supplementation on quality of life and pulmonary symptoms due to sulfur mustard exposure: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Drug Chem Toxicol. 2017 Jan;40(1):24-29. doi: 10.3109/01480545.2016.1166250. Epub 2016 Apr 14.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of supplementation with probiotics in improving chronic pulmonary symptoms due to sulfur mustard (SM) exposure.

Methods: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 65 subjects suffering from chronic pulmonary complications of SM were assigned to one probiotic capsule (1 × 109 CFU containing seven strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria) every 12 h or an identical placebo for six weeks. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FEV1/FVC and MMEF 25-75%) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were assessed at baseline and at the end of trial.

Results: The groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. There were significant improvements in FEV1/FVC in the probiotic but not in placebo group. CAT scores were decreased in both study groups. However, between-group comparison of changes in the assessed parameters reached statistical significance only for CAT score (p < 0.001). There was no report of adverse events during the course of trial.

Conclusions: Findings of the present trial favor the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in improving the pulmonary symptoms of SM-exposed subjects.

Keywords: Probiotics; inflammation; quality of life; randomized controlled trial; respiratory function; sulfur mustard.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / toxicity*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Male
  • Mustard Gas / toxicity*
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / adverse effects
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / immunology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Veterans
  • Veterans Health

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Mustard Gas