Lactobacillus helveticus Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats Through Inflammation Modulation and Gut
Zhexuan Zhu1,2,3, Qing Hong1, Qixiao Zhai2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200436, China.
Nutrients
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Lactobacillus helveticus CCFM1501 shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing inflammation and improving gut health. This probiotic may offer a new strategy for managing RA through immunomodulation and gut barrier repair.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease linked to gut dysbiosis and impaired intestinal barrier function.
- Inflammation and immune dysregulation are key drivers in RA pathogenesis.
- The gut microbiota's role in RA is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of four Lactobacillus helveticus strains in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.
- To identify the specific mechanisms by which L. helveticus CCFM1501 alleviates CIA symptoms.
- To explore L. helveticus CCFM1501 as a potential probiotic intervention for RA.
Main Methods:
- Administration of four Lactobacillus helveticus strains (CCFM1501, DSCAB9M6, CCFM1263, DYNDL451) to rats with CIA.
- Assessment of clinical parameters like paw swelling and synovial hyperplasia.
- Measurement of serum inflammatory markers, antibodies, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases.
- Analysis of intestinal barrier function, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, and gut microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- L. helveticus CCFM1501 demonstrated significant therapeutic effects, reducing paw swelling and synovial hyperplasia.
- CCFM1501 decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α) and autoantibodies while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10.
- Enhanced intestinal barrier integrity via tight junction protein upregulation, increased SCFAs, and improved gut microbiota were observed with CCFM1501 treatment.
Conclusions:
- L. helveticus CCFM1501 effectively alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in rats.
- Therapeutic benefits are attributed to immunomodulation, intestinal barrier repair, SCFA production, and gut microbiota restoration.
- L. helveticus CCFM1501 shows potential as a targeted probiotic for rheumatoid arthritis management, warranting clinical investigation.
