Yogurt containing Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716(LG21) ameliorates gastric mucosal inflammation in Helicobacter pylori infected patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms

Background Efficacies of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastric mucosal inflammation have been demonstrated in healthy volunteers. However, its efficacy is not yet investigated in the H. pylori infected patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Objectives The aim of this study is to clarify whether LG21 yogurt exerts the beneficial effects in the case of the H. pylori infected patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods H. pylori infected patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled and divided into two groups. Yogurt containing LG21 or placebo yogurt was ingested for 12 weeks in either group. H. pylori infection was assessed by a urea breath test (UBT). Serum pepsinogen I and II were measured, and I/II ratio, parameter of gastric inflammation, was calculated. Results The values of UBT did not significantly change in both groups between before and 12 weeks after yogurt ingestion. The values of PG I and II significantly decreased by the ingestion of LG21 yogurt. PG I/II ratio significantly increased in patients who ingested LG21 yogurt and this increase lasted for 4 weeks even after cessation of yogurt ingestion. However, these improving effects by LG21 yogurt were not observed in placebo yogurt-treated group. Conclusion These results indicate that the ingestion of LG21 yogurt improves gastric mucosal inflammation even in H. pylori infected patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and LG21 yogurt is useful food for the therapy of gastric inflammation induced by H. pylori infection.