RT Journal Article T1 Immune-Mediated Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics and Synbiotics in Treating Pediatric Intestinal Diseases. A1 Plaza-Díaz, Julio A1 Ruiz-Ojeda, Francisco Javier A1 Gil-Campos, Mercedes A1 Gil, Angel K1 immune system K1 intestinal microbiota K1 mechanism of action K1 pediatric gastrointestinal infection K1 probiotics AB The pediatric population is continually at risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases. The treatment for infections, particularly gastrointestinal conditions, focuses on oral or intravenous rehydration, nutritional support and, in certain case, antibiotics. Over the past decade, the probiotics and synbiotics administration for the prevention and treatment of different acute and chronic infectious diseases has dramatically increased. Probiotic microorganisms are primarily used as treatments because they can stimulate changes in the intestinal microbial ecosystem and improve the immunological status of the host. The beneficial impact of probiotics is mediated by different mechanisms. These mechanisms include the probiotics' capacity to increase the intestinal barrier function, to prevent bacterial transferation and to modulate inflammation through immune receptor cascade signaling, as well as their ability to regulate the expression of selected host intestinal genes. Nevertheless, with respect to pediatric intestinal diseases, information pertaining to these key mechanisms of action is scarce, particularly for immune-mediated mechanisms of action. In the present work, we review the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of probiotics and synbiotics that affect the immune system. YR 2018 FD 2018-01-05 LK http://hdl.handle.net/10668/11971 UL http://hdl.handle.net/10668/11971 LA en DS RISalud RD Apr 5, 2025