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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Reversal of ciprofloxacin-induced testosterone reduction by probiotic microbes in mouse testes
Congcong Xie1, Yanqing Bian2, Helin Feng3
1Research Institute of Family Planning of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory for Family Planning and Birth Health of the National Health and Family Planning Committee, Shijiazhuang 050071, China.
Abstract:
CPFX is a highly effective antibiotic, but it has been reported to significantly impair both testicular function and structure in rats. In this study, we assessed reversal of CPFX-induced variation in mice testicular structure and testosterone synthesis by probiotic microbes in the infected model and normal model. We detected testicular weight, testicular structure and Leydig cell variables in numbers. We detected the levels of serum testosterone and steroidogenic enzymes, as well as DBC1, Sirt1, NF-κB, and related redox state and inflammatory response in the testes. The results showed that probiotic microbes had significantly elevated serum testosterone levels and steroidogenic enzymes, higher Sirt1, anti-oxidative enzymes and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, and lower NF-κB, DBC1, oxidative damage, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The results suggest that the testis-protective, antiinflammatory and antioxidation effects of probiotics largely resulted from its ability to decrease oxidative stress and preserve antioxidant activity by stabilizing antioxidant defense systems, reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response.
Insights
Probiotic microbes reversed antibiotic-induced testicular damage in mice by improving testosterone synthesis and reducing inflammation. These findings highlight probiotics as a potential therapeutic strategy for protecting testicular health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (CPFX) can negatively impact testicular structure and function.
- Understanding protective mechanisms against antibiotic-induced testicular toxicity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic microbes in reversing CPFX-induced testicular damage in mice.
- To investigate the effects of probiotics on testosterone synthesis and testicular redox/inflammatory status.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of testicular weight, structure, and Leydig cell counts.
- Measurement of serum testosterone, steroidogenic enzymes, and key molecular markers (DBC1, Sirt1, NF-κB).
- Analysis of testicular redox state and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Probiotics significantly increased serum testosterone and steroidogenic enzyme levels.
- Probiotics enhanced Sirt1, antioxidant enzymes, and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
- Probiotics reduced NF-κB, DBC1, oxidative damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic administration effectively protected testicular function and structure against CPFX-induced toxicity.
- Probiotics exert testis-protective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects by mitigating oxidative stress.
- Probiotics stabilize antioxidant defense systems, reduce oxidative damage, and modulate inflammatory responses.
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