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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Efficacy of Probiotic Consortium Transplantation on Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Bing Tian1, Yunfei Zhang2, Chun Deng3
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pediatrics, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqin, China.
Introduction:
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapy, but it has not been used to treat neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) due to reports of adverse side effects. Probiotics are considered relatively safe with practicable administrative procedures; however, no systematic research has compared the results of FMT and probiotic consortium transplantation (PCT) on oxidative stress in the intestines of patients with NEC. We conducted this study to provide a basis for optimizing NEC therapy.
Methods:
Eight-day-old newborn C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: the dam-fed group (control group); the NEC induction group (NEC group); the NEC induction and transplantation of Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium infantis consortium group (NEC + PCT group); and the NEC induction and the FMT group (NEC + FMT). Intestinal injury, oxidative stress indexes, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in the terminal ileum.
Results:
FMT more effectively modulates oxidative stress in the intestine than does PCT; however, the difference between the effects of PCT and FMT was not significant. The protective effect was associated with enhanced antioxidant capacity, regulation of the main components of the mucus layer, reduced inflammatory reactions, and improved intestinal integrity.
Conclusions:
Intestinal dysbiosis affects oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mucosal integrity. Although FMT is more effective than PCT in regulating oxidative stress, PCT may be preferred in pediatrics because the proportion and dose of transplanted bacteria can be standardized and individualized according to individual conditions.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotic consortium transplantation (PCT) both protect against intestinal injury in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). While FMT shows slightly greater efficacy in modulating oxidative stress, PCT offers advantages in standardization for pediatric use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal condition in newborns.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows therapeutic potential but carries safety concerns for neonates.
- Probiotic consortium transplantation (PCT) is considered safer, but its efficacy compared to FMT in NEC is unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of FMT and PCT on oxidative stress in a neonatal mouse model of NEC.
- To provide evidence for optimizing therapeutic strategies for NEC.
- To evaluate the impact of FMT and PCT on intestinal injury, barrier function, and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- A neonatal mouse model of NEC was established.
- Mice were assigned to four groups: control, NEC, NEC + PCT (Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium infantis), and NEC + FMT.
- Intestinal injury, oxidative stress markers, barrier function, and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both FMT and PCT demonstrated protective effects against intestinal injury in NEC.
- FMT showed a trend towards more effective modulation of intestinal oxidative stress compared to PCT, though the difference was not statistically significant.
- Therapeutic benefits were linked to improved antioxidant capacity, mucus layer integrity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced intestinal barrier function.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal dysbiosis contributes to NEC pathogenesis via oxidative stress, inflammation, and compromised mucosal integrity.
- While FMT may offer superior oxidative stress regulation, PCT presents a potentially more practical and adaptable option for pediatric NEC treatment due to standardization possibilities.
- Further research is needed to optimize PCT for clinical application in neonatal NEC.
