Abstract: Previous studies have confirmed that probiotics colonizing the intestine can enhance intestinal barrier function by activating intestinal immunity, inhibiting abnormal apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and regulating tight junction protein, thereby being beneficial to the health of the host. Latest studies demonstrate that as one of the important factors regulating host gene expression, non-protein-encoding small molecule RNA (microRNA or miRNA) is not only a monitor of intestinal barrier homeostasis, but also an important link between intestinal probiotics and the host. This article reviews the recent studies on the role of miRNA in probiotic protection of intestinal barrier function, and analyzes the mechanism of probiotics in promoting intestinal health at the molecular level, aiming to provide new theoretical support for the application of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases.

Key words: miRNA; probiotics; intestinal barrier