L. fermentum CECT 5716 prevents stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in newborn rats
2017
Background Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) dysfunction plays a critical role in various intestinal disorders affecting infants and children, including the development of
food allergiesand colitis. Recent studies highlighted the role of probiotics in regulating IEB functions and behavior in adults, but their effects in the newborn remain largely unknown. We therefore characterized in rat pups, the impact of
Lactobacillus fermentumCECT 5716 (L. fermentum) on stress-induced IEB dysfunction, systemic immune response and exploratory behavior. Methods Newborn rats received daily by gavage either L. fermentum or water.
Intestinal permeabilityto fluorescein sulfonic acid (FSA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was measured following maternal separation (MS) and water avoidance stress (WAS). Immunohistochemical, transcriptomic, and Western blot analysis of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) distribution and expression were performed. Anxiety-like and exploratory behavior was assessed using the
elevated plus mazetest. Cytokine secretion of activated
splenocyteswas also evaluated. Key Results L. fermentum prevented MS and WAS-induced IEB dysfunction in vivo. L. fermentum reduced permeability to both FSA and HRP in the small intestine but not in the colon. L. fermentum increased expression of ZO-1 and prevented WAS-induced ZO-1 disorganization in ileal epithelial cells. L. fermentum also significantly reduced stress-induced increase in plasma corticosteronemia. In activated
splenocytes, L. fermentum enhanced IFNγ secretion while it prevented IL-4 secretion. Finally, L. fermentum increased exploratory behavior. Conclusions & Inferences These results suggest that L. fermentum could provide a novel tool for the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders associated with altered IEB functions in the newborn.
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