Probiotic mixture containing<i>Lactobacillus spp.</i>and<i>Bifidobacterium spp.</i>attenuates 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice

Abstract

<i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. and <i>Bifidobacterium</i> spp. was used to protect against gastrointestinal disorders. The present study evaluated the effects of probiotic mixture (PM) containing <i>Lactobacillus spp.</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium spp.</i> on intestinal mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Swiss male mice (25-30 g) were treated with 5-FU (450 mg/kg, ip) and were orally administered (PM). Probiotic mixture 1 (PM-1) is a mixture of two probiotics (<i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium lactis)</i> and probiotic mixture 2 (PM-2) is a mixture of four probiotics (<i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i>, <i>Lactobacillus paracasei</i>, <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i>, and <i>Bifidobacterium lactis)</i>. PM-1 and PM-2 decreased histopathological scores in the duodenum and jejunum after mucositis. PM-2 attenuated 5-FU-induced weight loss. On the other hand, PM-1 did not exert a significant effect on weight loss. Both probiotics mixture increased the villus/crypt ratio in all intestinal segments, increased GSH levels in the duodenum and jejunum, and reduced the MDA, MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. PM-2 attenuated the delay in gastric emptying. PM-1 and PM-2 prevented epithelial injury in intestinal mucositis by 5-FU, demonstrating the potential use of these probiotics as therapeutic agents against intestinal mucositis.