Diet alters probiotic Lactobacillus persistence and function in the intestine

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Host diet influences gut microbiota composition and function.
• Probiotics, like Lactobacillus plantarum, are investigated for their health benefits.
• Inflammatory conditions can alter the gut environment and microbial interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of host diet (chow vs. Western) on Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 persistence and gene expression in mice.
• To examine the impact of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced intestinal inflammation on L. plantarum survival.
• To assess the influence of diet and inflammation on the indigenous gut microbiota and host immune markers.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed either a chow diet (CD) or a Western diet (WD) and administered L. plantarum WCFS1.
• TNBS was used to induce an inflammatory bowel disease-like condition in a subset of mice.
• 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was performed on intestinal contents to analyze microbiota composition.
• Gene expression of L. plantarum and levels of colonic cytokines (IL-10, IL-12) were measured.

Main Results:

• L. plantarum WCFS1 showed 10- to 100-fold greater persistence in WD-fed mice compared to CD-fed mice.
• TNBS treatment increased L. plantarum survival by up to 10^4-fold.
• WD altered the indigenous microbiota, decreasing Lactobacillus species and increasing Desulfovibrionaceae.
• L. plantarum administration reduced colitis and increased IL-10 and IL-12 in WD-fed mice.

Conclusions:

• Host diet composition significantly modulates probiotic survival and gene expression in the gut.
• Intestinal inflammation dramatically enhances probiotic persistence.
• Probiotic administration can mitigate colitis and modulate immune responses, particularly in the context of a Western diet.
• Interactions between diet, probiotics, and the gut microbiota are crucial for understanding probiotic efficacy.