In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve Bif195 co-administered with Aspirin (300 mg daily) for 4 weeks effectively minimized gastric mucosal injury endoscopically assessed by Lanza score in healthy participants. The objective of the study was to assess the endoscopic impact of Bif195 on mucosal damage induced by Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) in the stomach and duodenum.

Overall, 25 healthy subjects participated in two intervention periods. The study included four gastroduodenoscopies and a 6-week washout period. Each intervention, lasting 4 weeks, involved daily oral co-treatment with either Aspirin (300 mg) and Bif195 (≥1011 colony-forming units) or a placebo. The main focus of the evaluation was the alteration in the Lanza score, which spans from 0 (indicating normal mucosa) to 4 (representing more than 10 erosions or ulcers). All 25 subjects (56% females) with an average age of 27.3 (±4.8) years and a body mass index of 23.2 (±3.4) kg/m2 successfully finished the trial.

They demonstrated notable increases in Lanza scores during placebo therapy in comparison with baseline. Bif195 resulted in a significant reduction in gastric Lanza score, showing an odds ratio of 7.2 (95% confidence interval 1.72–30.08) compared to the placebo, with no associated adverse events. No vital alterations were noted in Lanza scores in the duodenum. Hence, Bif195 could be deemed a safe therapeutic option in the prevention of gastric ulcerations during Aspirin treatment.