Pulse probiotic administration induces repeated small intestinal Muc3 expression in rats

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Probiotics offer host protection via innate mucosal defense gene modulation.
• Key genes include mucin glycoproteins and apoptosis inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specificity and sustainability of probiotic effects on host defense genes in vivo.
• To compare continuous versus intermittent administration of specific probiotic strains.

Main Methods:

• Rats were administered Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, or Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071.
• Gene and protein expression of Muc3, NAIP, HIAP1/cIAP2, and HIAP2/cIAP1 were analyzed.
• RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• Live probiotics (Lp299v, BbR0071, LrR0011) upregulated Muc3 mRNA and protein in the jejunum and ileum.
• Heat-killed or nonadherent Lp299v did not induce Muc3 expression.
• Lp299v also induced HIAP2/cIAP1 and NAIP expression, with Muc3 elevation lasting 5 days.
• Continuous daily probiotic intake did not sustain Muc3 expression, but intermittent dosing did.

Conclusions:

• Specific live probiotics can induce protective genes in intestinal epithelial cells.
• Probiotic-induced mucosal defense gene expression is reproducible with intermittent administration.
• The findings highlight the importance of administration strategy for probiotic efficacy.