EFFECTS OF LACTOBACILLUS LB PROBIOTIC ON IMMUNE PARAMETERS AND INTESTINAL STRUCTURE OF MALE ALBINO RATS: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Regular intake of probiotics have been shown to improve the health benefits of the host by influencing the
systemic and mucosal immune systems. Probiotic sachets are characterized by the high shelf-life of the probiotic
strains and have the advantage to avoid the possible effects of milk allergy on specific immune parameters.
Therefore, in this study we evaluated the immunomodulatory and intestinal health effects of orally-administered
Lactobacillus LB sachets (Lactéol® fort). Rats were supplemented with 109 CFU Lactobacillus LB for
consecutive 28 days. We found that orally administered Lactobacillus LB induced both Th1 (TNF-α, INF-γ and
IL-8) and Th2 ( Il-4) cytokine production as well as immunoglobulin-A (IgA). Moreover, the histometry showed
clear increase in villus heights and obvious decrease in crypt depths in animals receiving Lactobacillus LB.
Also, the V/C ratio, goblet cell numbers, and the measures of GALT compartments were increased significantly
in comparison with controls. Overall, the Lactobacillus LB supplementation produces immune stimulation and
is possibly able to protect small intestinal mucosa via enhancing immune barrier function of the intestine and
improving intestinal function. Therefore, Lactobacillus LB can provide effective, inexpensive, and safe remedy
to prevent and/or treat functional gastrointestinal diseases.