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GABA-Producing Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6 Mitigates Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Gut-Brain Dysregulation in SD Rats
Tushar Matta1,2, Mahendra Bishnoi1,3,4, Shiwangi Gupta1,3
1Healthy Gut Research Group, Food and Nutrition Biotechnology Division, Centre for Excellence in Functional Foods, BRIC-National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI), S.A.S. Nagar, India.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6, a psychobiotic, shows protective effects against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats. This strain modulates gut health and brain function, offering a promising approach for epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut-brain axis is a critical communication pathway influencing neurological disorders.
- Intestinal microbes play a significant role in central nervous system function.
- Epilepsy research is exploring the gut microbiome's impact on seizure activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6 against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy in a rat model.
- To screen GABA-producing probiotic strains for their efficacy in modulating seizure activity.
- To understand the strain-specific effects of Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6 on gut health and brain function.
Main Methods:
- Screening of two GABA-producing strains (Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB19) for protective effects against PTZ-induced kindling.
- Administration of chronic subconvulsive PTZ to induce seizure activity, assessed by seizure scores, antioxidant levels, and inflammatory cytokines.
- Colonization studies using indocyanine green (ICG)-labeled LAB6 to track its translocation and adherence in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Dose-dependent evaluation of LAB6 efficacy in restoring gut barrier function, behavioral deficits, and peripheral GABA levels.
Main Results:
- Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6, but not Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB19, significantly attenuated PTZ-induced seizure activity and associated biochemical changes.
- LAB6 supplementation beneficially modulated gut health by increasing short-chain fatty acid production and promoting beneficial gut microbes.
- A medium dose of LAB6 (2 × 10^10 CFU) was most effective in restoring gut barrier function, behavioral deficits, and peripheral GABA levels.
- Colonization studies confirmed LAB6 translocation and adherence throughout the GI tract within 8 hours.
Conclusions:
- Levilactobacillus brevis LAB6 demonstrates significant strain-specific protective effects against PTZ-induced epilepsy in rats.
- LAB6 positively modulates gut-brain functions by improving gut health and influencing neurotransmitter levels.
- This psychobiotic strain represents a promising therapeutic candidate for managing epilepsy by targeting the gut-brain axis.
