A Functional Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZY18 Strain: Probiotic Properties and Associated Anti-inflammatory Responses...

Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) has probiotic advantages such as suppressing pathogenic bacteria, balancing the gut microbiota, regulating immunity, and having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study explored its potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, isolating the bacterium from healthy pig feces. L. reuteri ZY18 was chosen due to its superior acid production, tolerance, and antibacterial characteristics. In vitro, the ZY18 strain had a survival rate of 46.00% in simulated gastric juice and efficiently inhibited enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC K88), with an inhibition zone measuring 1.90 cm. In a mouse model challenged with ETEC K88, it demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as improved intestinal mechanical barrier integrity. Notably, the protective effects of ZY18 on the immune barrier were closely associated with the modulation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and interleukin-17 (IL-17). These findings suggest that ZY18 has high antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities, providing an associative basis that probiotic-based microbial products could be exploited as alternative therapeutic options for ETEC K88-related disorders.