The role of probiotics lactobacillus plantarum and saccharomyces boulardii in antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and mucosal immunity improvement, study in vivo

Abstract

This imbalance in the gut microbiota can result in various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, reduced immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii, have been suggested as potential therapeutic agents to restore microbial balance and mucosal immunity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of L. plantarum and S. boulardii in modulating antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and mucosal immunity in a rodent model. This study investigates the effects of antibiotic-induced microbiota disruption and probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota profile & mucosal immune markers, specifically secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and beta-defensins. The study employed an in vivo experimental design, where mice were administered antibiotics to induce dysbiosis, followed by probiotic interventions with L. plantarum, S. boulardii, and a combination of both. A total of 25 male Rattus norvegicus were randomly assigned to five groups (n=5 per group). The animals received their respective treatments for 14 days. Microbial composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal microbiota analysis. Intestinal samples were collected to assess the levels of sIgA and beta-defensins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed that both probiotics significantly altered the gut microbiota, with L. plantarum and S. boulardii improving microbial populations disrupted by antibiotics. The combination is more effective than single interventions for managing antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and enhancing mucosal immunity (sIgA and B defensin concentrations). Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and mechanisms underlying these probiotic effects.