The Protection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 Against Benzopyrene-Induced Toxicity via Regulation of the Gut Microbiota

Abstract

The present study evaluated the protection of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> CCFM8661, a candidate probiotic with excellent benzopyrene (B[a]P)-binding capacity <i>in vitro</i>, against B[a]P-induced toxicity in the colon and brain of mice. Mice that received B[a]P alone served as the model group. Each mouse in the <i>L. plantarum</i> treatment groups were administered 2×10⁹ colony forming unit (CFU) of <i>L. plantarum</i> strains once daily, followed by an oral dose of B[a]P at 50 mg/kg body weight. Behavior, biochemical indicators in the colon and brain tissue, and the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the gut were investigated. Compared to the treatment in the model group, CCFM8661 treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress in the brain, improved behavioral performance, increased intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviated histopathological changes in mice. Moreover, CCFM8661 increased the gut microbiota diversity and abundance of <i>Ruminococcus</i> and <i>Lachnospiraceae</i> and reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory <i>Turicibacter</i> spp. Additionally, the production of SCFAs was significantly increased by <i>L. plantarum</i> CCFM8661. Our results suggest that CCFM8661 is effective against acute B[a]P-induced toxicity in mice and that it can be considered as an effective and easy dietary intervention against B[a]P toxicity.