Experimental animals with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) live longer if they are given a combination of intestinal bacteria (probiotics).
In his doctoral thesis, Paul van Minnen concludes that probiotics reduce inflammation and mortality. Infections involving intestinal bacteria develop because of the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine, failure of the gastric mucosal barrier, and disruption of the immune system. Preventing infections can reduce the need for surgical intervention in humans. Fifteen percent of all cases of pancreatitis become infected with intestinal bacteria, and then an operation is needed.
Paul van Minnen received his PhD from Utrecht University on December 7. The title of his thesis is,“Acute Pancreatitis: Surgery, Pathophysiology, and Probiotic Prophylaxis.”