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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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A Novel Method for the Culture and Polarized Stimulation of Human Intestinal Mucosa Explants
Published on: May 1, 2013
Human-derived probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri strains differentially reduce intestinal inflammation
Yuying Liu1, Nicole Y Fatheree, Nisha Mangalat
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 7703, USA.
Summary
Four Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) strains reduced gut inflammation and damage in newborn rats. These probiotics offer potential benefits for intestinal health by modulating immune responses to inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a probiotic known for immune modulation and inhibiting enteric infections.
- Limited data exists on how specific human-derived L. reuteri strains impact intestinal epithelial inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of four L. reuteri strains on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells and in vivo.
- To evaluate strain-specific immunomodulatory effects on cytokine production and histological damage in the gut.
Main Methods:
- IPEC-J2 and IEC-6 intestinal cell lines were treated with L. reuteri strains.
- Newborn rats were gavaged with cow milk formula containing L. reuteri strains, with or without LPS.
- Cytokine and chemokine levels (mRNA and protein) and intestinal histology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- All four L. reuteri strains significantly reduced intestinal KC/GRO (IL-8) and IFN-γ levels in rats exposed to LPS.
- Intestinal histological damage induced by LPS and cow milk formula was significantly ameliorated by all tested strains.
- Strain DSM 17938 suppressed mild gut inflammation (IFN-γ, IL-13) caused by cow milk formula alone; no toxicity was observed.
Conclusions:
- L. reuteri strains exhibit differential modulation of LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.
- In vivo interactions between probiotics, epithelial, and non-epithelial cells are crucial for anti-inflammatory effects.
- The terms 'anti-inflammatory' and 'pro-inflammatory' should be context-specific to the living host environment.
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