Lactobacillus paracasei normalizes muscle hypercontractility in a murine model of postinfective gut dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Postinfective irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by gut dysfunction.
• The role of probiotics in managing persistent muscle hypercontractility in postinfective IBS remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of specific probiotic strains on muscle hypercontractility in a mouse model of postinfective IBS.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which probiotics influence this condition.

Main Methods:

• Mice infected with Trichinella spiralis were gavaged with various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains or their spent culture media.
• Muscle contractility was measured, and immunological markers (cytokines, T-helper 2 response) and molecular factors (TGF-β1, COX-2, PGE2) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Lactobacillus paracasei significantly attenuated muscle hypercontractility, unlike other tested strains.
• This attenuation correlated with reduced T-helper 2 response and lower levels of TGF-β1, COX-2, and PGE2 in muscle tissue.
• A heat-labile component in spent culture medium also demonstrated efficacy, suggesting a metabolite-driven effect.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus paracasei, demonstrate strain-dependent efficacy in mitigating muscle hypercontractility in a postinfective IBS model.
• The therapeutic effect involves both immune response modulation and direct action of Lactobacillus paracasei or its metabolites.
• Lactobacillus paracasei shows potential as a therapeutic agent for postinfective IBS.