Bifico Ameliorates Neurological Deficits After Ischemic Stroke in Mice: Transcriptome Profiling

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Gut microbiota composition is altered in stroke patients, with increased harmful bacteria and decreased beneficial bacteria.
• This dysbiosis can increase intestinal permeability, infection risk, and inflammatory factors, potentially impacting stroke outcomes.
• Probiotics may improve the gut environment and influence stroke prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of probiotic Bifico on neural function in mice following focal cerebral ischemia.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of Bifico's action in a stroke model.

Main Methods:

• A focal cerebral ischemia model was established in mice, with groups receiving vehicle, pre-Bifico, or Bifico treatment.
• Infarct volume and neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed.
• Whole-gene expression profiling (RNA-seq), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed on samples collected at various time points.

Main Results:

• Pre-treatment with Bifico significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological scores compared to controls.
• Gene expression analysis revealed significant differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways (GO, KEGG) between groups.
• Specific immune and inflammation-related genes showed altered expression patterns, with some upregulated during stroke recovery.

Conclusions:

• Oral pre-treatment with Bifico for 28 days effectively reduced cerebral infarction and promoted neurological function recovery in mice.
• These benefits are likely mediated by the regulation of brain immunity and inflammation.
• Bifico shows potential as a therapeutic agent for improving stroke outcomes.