Prophylactic effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium spp. in the resolution of inflammation in arthritic rats

In the present study, the modulatory effects of bifidobacterial spp. (Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671, Bifidobacterium longum NCIM 5672 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIM 5697) on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats were evaluated. Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting 250 μg of Freund's adjuvant directly into the paw. Fifteen days before and 15 days after the induction of arthritis, suspended cultures of bifidobacteria (10⁹ cfu/ml) were administered by oral gavage. Paw volume, bone mineral content, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, eicosanoids and expression of COX2, as well as bone hydrolytic enzymes, were assessed by RT PCR. Although piroxicam-treated groups (drug control) had better effects than bifidobacteria-treated groups, bifidobacteria probiotics administration exhibited significant (P < 0.05) prophylactic effects in terms of downregulating arthritis markers. Parameters including paw volume, bone mineral content, cytokines, and eicosanoids level were significantly (p < 0.05) modulated in bifidobacteria administered groups compared to arthritic control group. Among the three strains tested, B. breve NCIM 5671 exhibited superior prophylactic effects as assessed in the experimental rat model of arthritis. In conclusion, bifidobacteria probiotics administration can downregulate the markers of arthritis and hence can be a potential therapeutic regimen in the treatment of arthritis.