Exploring role of Bacillus coagulans BCP92™ (MTCC 25460) in modulation of depressive-like behavior: Unraveling microbiome gut-brain axis

Recent findings indicate that gut microbiota can significantly impact cognitive health. In this study, we explored the effects of Bacillus coagulans (Heyndrickxia coagulans) BCP92™ on depression-like behaviors using maternal separation and the chronic unpredictable mild stress model.

Depression in rats was induced through maternal separation followed by chronic unpredictable mild stress. B. coagulans BCP92™ was administered to the rats at a dose of 2 billion CFU for six weeks. Depression-like behaviors were assessed using the sucrose preference test, forced swim test, elevated plus maze test, and open-field test. After the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and brain, intestine, and fecal samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analyses.

B coagulans BCP92™ mitigated depressive behaviors as evidenced by improvements in the behavior assessments. The treatment related changes in levels of neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor while reducing pro-inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the brain. Additionally, B. coagulans BCP92™ administration restored levels of BDNF, doublecortin, GFAP, and zona occludens in the brain, suggesting a neuroprotective effect. An increased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, along with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in fecal samples, was observed. Histopathological analysis indicated that both brain and intestinal structures were preserved, demonstrating the maintenance of their integrity.

The findings from this study suggest that B. coagulans BCP92™ exerts antidepressant effects by modulating the gut-brain axis, thereby remodeling gut microbiota and promoting neurobehavioral health.