The probiotic mixture IRT5 ameliorates age-dependent colitis in rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Aging is associated with increased colonic inflammation and impaired gut barrier function.
• Specific inflammatory markers like inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are elevated in aged rats.
• Senescence markers (p16, p53) increase, while protective factors (SIRT1) decrease with age in the colon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the probiotic IRT5 in aged rats.
• To determine if IRT5 can mitigate age-dependent colitis and associated molecular changes.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of IRT5 (1×10^9 CFU/rat) for 8 weeks to aged Fischer 344 rats.
• Measurement of inflammatory markers (iNOS, COX2, TNF-α, IL-1β), NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases.
• Assessment of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1), senescence markers (p16, p53, SIRT1), myeloperoxidase activity, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, and oxidative stress markers.

Main Results:

• IRT5 suppressed age-associated increases in iNOS, COX2, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases.
• IRT5 improved age-dependent suppression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1).
• IRT5 reduced senescence markers (p16, p53), increased SIRT1, inhibited myeloperoxidase activity, and lowered LPS, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions:

• IRT5 treatment demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects in aged rats, ameliorating colitis.
• IRT5 may exert its protective effects by inhibiting gut microbiota LPS production and modulating inflammatory and senescence pathways.
• Probiotic intervention with IRT5 shows potential for managing age-dependent gut inflammation and dysfunction.