Lactobacillus reuteri in its biofilm state promotes neurodevelopment after experimental necrotizing enterocolitis in rats

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease affecting premature newborns with no known cure. Up to half of survivors subsequently exhibit cognitive impairment and neurodevelopmental defects. We created a novel probiotics delivery system in which the probiotic <i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i> (<i>Lr</i>) was induced to form a biofilm [<i>Lr</i> (biofilm)] by incubation with dextranomer microspheres loaded with maltose (<i>Lr</i>-DM-maltose). We have previously demonstrated that a single dose of the probiotic <i>Lr</i> administered in its biofilm state significantly reduces the incidence of NEC and decreases inflammatory cytokine production in an animal model of the disease. The aim of our current study was to determine whether a single dose of the probiotic <i>Lr</i> administered in its biofilm state protects the brain after experimental NEC. We found that rat pups exposed to NEC reached developmental milestones significantly slower than breast fed pups, with mild improvement with <i>Lr</i> (biofilm) treatment. Exposure to NEC had a negative effect on cognitive behavior, which was prevented by <i>Lr</i> (biofilm) treatment. <i>Lr</i> administration also reduced anxiety-like behavior in NEC-exposed rats. The behavioral effects of NEC were associated with increased numbers of activated microglia, decreased myelin basic protein (MBP), and decreased neurotrophic gene expression, which were prevented by administration of <i>Lr</i> (biofilm). Our data indicate early enteral treatment with <i>Lr</i> in its biofilm state prevented the deleterious effects of NEC on developmental impairments.