May 11/Washington/DNA Daily News and Analysis -- Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have shown that probiotic bacteria promote healing of the intestinal lining in mice by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species.
The results demonstrated a mechanism by which bacterial cultures in foods such as yogurt and kimchi have beneficial effects on intestinal health. The insights gained could also guide doctors to improved treatments for intestinal diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies or intestinal injury in critically ill adults.