Probiotic L. paraplantarum may reduce diabetes-induced liver and kidney damage in rats
Researchers from the University of Belgrade argued that the probiotic’s mechanism of action that led to this conclusion included reducing intestinal permeability and decreased concentrations of endotoxins in the circulation and modulation of the immune system.
In other words, the beneficial bacteria “overwhelm intestinal inflammation,” reducing the activity of common toxins that damage the liver and kidneys among diabetic populations.
The researchers built off of existing studies on probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus. “As the major part of the lactic acid bacteria group, [Lactobacillus] can delay diabetes onset due to their antidiabetic potential,” they wrote, citing a 2015 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
Study Design
For this current study, the researchers looked at Lactobacillus paraplantarum strain BGCG11, a natural isolate obtained from a variety of soft, white, homemade cheese from the western Balkans.
Their aim was to assess the potential beneficial in vivo effect of the probiotic L. paraplantarum BGCG11 on diabetic complications in the liver and kidneys in diabetes-induced rats.
“We studied the changes in redox metabolism through monitoring antioxidant enzyme activities, the level of cell injury by examining DNA damage and activation of the prosurvival Akt kinase as well as the degree of tissue damage through the activation of the fibrotic process in the liver and kidneys of diabetic rats,” they wrote.
Rats were randomly divided into five groups: A non-diabetic group; a non-diabetic group supplemented with the probiotic; a diabetic group not given probiotic intervention; a diabetic group supplemented with the probiotic before being induced with diabetes; and finally a diabetic group supplemented with probiotics after diabetes was induced.
Results
They found that rats that were supplemented with the probiotic, either before or both before and after diabetes was induced, experienced antidiabetogenic and anti-inflammatory activities at the systemic and tissue levels.
Additionally, rats in the supplementation group exhibited decreased hyperglycemia and reduced DNA damage in the liver and kidney.
“These findings may be relevant with regard to the therapeutic potential of probiotic in treating the diabetic condition but also in the management of other pathological states associated with redox metabolism imbalance, inflammation and fibrosis,” the researchers argued.
Source: Journal of Functional Foods
Published online ahead of print, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2017.09.033
“Oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum BGCG11 attenuates diabetes-induced liver and kidney damage in rats”
Authors: Mirjana Mihailovic, et al.
