Are Bifidobacterium Species Key Players in the Progression of Type 1 Diabetes? A Systematic Review

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently develops in childhood and is preceded by a non-symptomatic period of autoimmunity. Alterations in the gut microbiome are implicated in T1D pathogenesis. Bifidobacterium is a significant focus due to its positive health impacts, association with breastfeeding and presence in probiotics and infant milk-formulas. This systematic review aims to investigate Bifidobacterium's association with T1D across disease stages.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from 2011 to 2024. The search used a combination of medical subject headings and keywords related to Bifidobacterium. Studies included individuals at risk of T1D (pre-stage, stage 1 or 2 asymptomatic T1D) and with stage 3 symptomatic T1D while excluding T2D, clinical trials and animal studies.

Results

The search initially retrieved 1120 articles. Of these, 25 papers met the inclusion criteria, covering 4533 individuals (842 cases with or at-risk of T1D and 3691 healthy controls). The studies highlighted variability in Bifidobacterium abundance in T1D, with higher abundance found more often in at-risk asymptomatic individuals and lower abundance frequently found in those with established T1D.

Conclusion

These findings do not support loss of Bifidobacterium as a key factor in the early development of T1D. Further studies are needed to explore Bifidobacterium's role in T1D progression and management.