Mitigating Cadmium Toxicity: The Therapeutic Potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus Pro4 in Mice

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal known to negatively impact multiple bodily systems. This study investigated the effectiveness of Lactobacillus acidophilus Pro4, a probiotic strain isolated from natural pickles, as an anti-cadmium toxicity supplement. Forty male albino mice were divided into five groups: the control group (C), the probiotic group (Pro4), the cadmium group (Cd), the protective group (Pr), and the therapy group (Th). The body weight, liver functions, and tissue pathology of liver and the expression of IGF1, GH, GH1, and GHR1 genes were assessed. Cadmium exposure significantly impacted the mice, reducing their daily weight gain and causing liver damage. This was evident by elevated levels of GOT and GPT enzymes in the serum, along with signs of degeneration in the liver tissue, and downregulation of the expression of IGF1, GH, GH1, and GHR1 genes compared to the control group. Mice in the Pro4 group displayed increased daily weight gain and the expression of IGF1, GH, GH1, and GHR1 genes compared to other groups. While GOT levels decreased significantly compared to the control group, GPT levels remained unchanged. Liver tissue appeared mostly normal, with a slightly dilated central vein and some inflammatory cells. In the Th group, the results were encouraging but not a complete reversal of damage. Levels of GOT and GPT enzymes improved compared to the cadmium-only group, and the liver tissue showed signs of repair. Therefore, the novel Lactobacillus acidophilus Pro4 offers a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of cadmium on growth in mice by improving weight gain and regulating biochemical markers.