Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07 alleviates bacterial translocation and ameliorates microinflammation in experimental uraemia

Aim: Uraemia is characterized by intestinal bacterial translocation, which contributes to the development of microinflammation. Probiotics enhance the intestinal barrier and overall health of the host. The present study investigated whether the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07 alleviates bacterial translocation and ameliorates microinflammation in experimental uraemia.

Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 20 rats each: the sham group, which underwent only laparotomy; the uraemia group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy; and the uraemia + probiotic group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy and daily intragastric administration of B. animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07 for 4 weeks. Bacterial translocation was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene from oral GFP-labelled Escherichia coli in the peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Intestinal permeability, plasma inflammatory biomarker levels, and endotoxin levels were measured. Jejunum, ileum, and colon specimens were removed for histological examination.

Results: Uraemic rats exhibited a significantly higher incidence of bacterial translocation (70%) than did sham rats (10%). Probiotic treatment resulted in a decrease in bacterial translocation (20%). Intestinal permeability, inflammatory biomarker levels, and endotoxin levels in uraemic rats were significantly higher than those in the sham group. After treatment with the probiotic, inflammatory biomarker levels significantly decreased. Uraemic rats demonstrated superficial mucosal erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration in the small intestine, and administration of the probiotic alleviated these lesions.

Conclusion: The probiotic B. animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07 alleviate bacterial translocation and ameliorate microinflammation through the recovery of intestinal mucosal integrity.