Objective  To investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules on the balance of helper T cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

  Methods  A total of 116 patients with UC were divided into control group (n=58) and observation group (n=58). The patients in two groups were treated with Mesalazine enteric coated tablets according to the guidelines, 2 tablets per time, 4 times a day. Based on the above treatment, the patients in observation group were treated with Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, 2 capsules per time, 3 times daily. The patients in two groups were all treated for 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy, intestinal flora, the proportion of of Treg and Th17 cells in peripheral blood, ratio of Th17 to Treg and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

  Results  The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.83%, which was higher than 82.76% of the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was more than that in the control group, while the number of Escherichia coli, Clostridium and Bacteroides was less than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the proportion of Treg cells in peripheral blood of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the proportion of Th17 cells was higher, while the ratio of Th17 to Treg were lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

  Conclusion  Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of UC, and regulating Th17/Treg balance may be one of its mechanisms.