Formulation-dependent kinetics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang in mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health.
• Probiotics offer potential for disease prevention and treatment by modulating the gut microbiome.
• Understanding the kinetics and molecular mechanisms of probiotic action is essential for their therapeutic application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize and compare the in vivo gastrointestinal kinetics of liquid and lyophilized Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang (LPZ) formulations.
• To investigate the impact of LPZ on gut microbial diversity, beneficial bacteria, and metabolite production.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying LPZ's effects, including virulence factor attenuation and enzyme activity modulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized advanced molecular imaging to track in vivo kinetic dynamics of LPZ formulations.
• Quantified gastrointestinal transit and growth kinetics of liquid and lyophilized LPZ.
• Analyzed changes in gut microbial diversity, community composition, and metabolite profiles (e.g., xanthine) post-LPZ ingestion.

Main Results:

• Liquid LPZ demonstrated significantly higher proliferation and retention rates compared to lyophilized LPZ, with peak growth at 6-8 hours post-ingestion.
• LPZ ingestion enhanced gut microbial diversity and enriched beneficial commensal bacteria during peak replication.
• LPZ upregulated carbohydrate-active enzymes, attenuated virulence factors, and notably reduced xanthine levels, potentially alleviating hyperuricemia symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Liquid LPZ exhibits superior in vivo performance, supporting the concept of "probiotikinetics."
• LPZ effectively modulates the gut microbiome, promoting beneficial bacteria and enhancing metabolic functions.
• LPZ demonstrates a mechanistic basis for reducing xanthine and offers potential for therapeutic applications, including gout symptom relief.