Probiotics in COPD: Effects on Symptoms, Lung Function, and Inflammation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, and periods of acute worsening. It is also associated with ongoing systemic inflammation, which contributes to symptom severity, impaired lung function, and increased risk of exacerbations. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut-lung axis may play a significant role in this inflammatory process. Probiotics, which help restore a healthy microbial balance and support gut barrier integrity, have been proposed as a potential strategy to modulate inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Several studies have suggested that probiotics may reduce respiratory symptoms, improve lung function and lower systemic inflammation in people with COPD.

This randomized study is designed to evaluate whether a probiotic supplement (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus plantarum LP 6596, and Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9) can improve shortness of breath, overall symptom burden, lung function, and selected inflammatory markers in adults with stable COPD compared with placebo. Participants will be recruited from multiple clinical centers and will continue their usual COPD therapy throughout the study period. A total of 60 adult participants with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD, stable disease and baseline dyspnea of mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) ≥ 1 will be randomized to receive either a probiotic supplement or placebo for 16 weeks. They will take either the probiotic supplement or placebo 2 capsules once daily for 16 weeks and will be examined at three clinic visits for symptom questionnaires- mMRC scale of dyspnea, CAT (COPD Assessment Test) and Bristol Stool Scale, blood sampling, and spirometry testing. Between clinic visits, participants will have regular telephone checks every 4 weeks to assess symptoms, adherence to the study product and possible side effects.

This trial aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how probiotic supplementation may influence dyspnea, quality of life, inflammatory activity, and respiratory function in COPD.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with a previously established diagnosis of COPD, regardless of the degree of airflow obstruction on pulmonary function testing.
• Age over 18 years, regardless of sex.
• Stable disease without exacerbations during the past two months (8 weeks).
• Stable disease without changes to maintenance therapy during the past two months (8 weeks).
• Patients with an mMRC score of 1 or higher.
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• patients diagnosed with serious comorbidities such as severe cardiovascular diseases (severe heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, or percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 months, uncontrolled tachy/bradyarrhythmias), patients with severe renal failure and a placed central venous catheter, patients with severe liver damage (Child-Pugh class C), patients with infectious hepatitis or HIV, active bloody diarrhea;
• patients undergoing active oncological and hematological treatment;
• patients who have had a stroke within the past 3 months;
• transplanted patients, including allograft recipients;
• patients on long-term systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy (oral or intravenous form) as well as antifungal therapy,
• patients who have had a COPD exacerbation within the past two months and are not in a stable condition,
• patients diagnosed with asthma,
• patients with a history of lung surgery or serious respiratory diseases other than COPD (active tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bronchiectasis, pulmonary aspergillosis, etc.),
• patients who have recently participated in other clinical trials or have received experimental therapy,
• patients with a history of severe allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to the components of the probiotic preparation,
• patients with active alcoholism or drug addiction,
• patients with severe psychiatric diagnoses or those with significant physical or cognitive limitations that would interfere with following the study protocol,
• patients who have recently undergone surgery,
• pregnant or breastfeeding women,
• patients who have taken any probiotic preparations within one month before the start of the study,
• patients whose COPD treatment is changed during the course of the study.