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Probiotic therapy fails to improve gut permeability in a hapten model of colitis

R J Kennedy1, M Hoper, K Deodhar

  • 1The Dept of Surgery. Institute of Clinical Science, The Queen's University of Belfast, UK.

Abstract

Insights

This study found that Lactobacillus plantarum 299 (LP299) did not reduce colitis severity or improve gut permeability in a rat model. The probiotic, when administered after TNBS instillation, showed no therapeutic benefit in this experimental colitis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis, with increased pathogens and decreased beneficial bacteria.
  • Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus plantarum 299 (LP299), are investigated for their potential to restore microbial balance and treat IBD.
  • Experimental models are crucial for understanding IBD pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 (LP299) in ameliorating colitis and improving intestinal permeability in a rat model.
  • To assess the impact of LP299, when combined with oat fiber, on the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/ethanol (TNBS/E)-induced colitis model.
  • To determine if LP299 administration can mitigate the inflammatory and permeability changes associated with experimental colitis.

Main Methods:

  • Male Wistar rats were induced with colitis using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/ethanol (TNBS/E) or saline.
  • Animals received oral gavage of LP299 with oat fiber (LP299/OF), oat fiber alone (OF), or no treatment for seven days.
  • Intestinal permeability was assessed using radiolabeled polyethylene glycol, and colon macroscopic scoring (CMS) evaluated colitis severity.

Main Results:

  • TNBS/E instillation significantly increased colon macroscopic scoring (CMS) and gut permeability compared to saline controls.
  • Administration of LP299/OF or oat fiber alone did not significantly reduce CMS or gut permeability in colitic rats.
  • These findings indicate a lack of therapeutic effect of LP299 in this experimental colitis model.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus plantarum 299 (LP299), when administered post-TNBS instillation, did not demonstrate efficacy in reducing colitis severity or improving gut permeability.
  • The results suggest that LP299 is not effective in this specific hapten-induced model of colitis.
  • Further research may be needed to explore alternative probiotic strains or therapeutic strategies for experimental colitis.

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