<i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> Supplementation Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Alleviates Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice
Probiotics have gained increasing recognition for their potential to mitigate antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). However, the precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. This study developed a mouse model of AAD using ceftriaxone to investigate the alleviating effects and mechanis...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Foods |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1704 |
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| Summary: | Probiotics have gained increasing recognition for their potential to mitigate antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). However, the precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. This study developed a mouse model of AAD using ceftriaxone to investigate the alleviating effects and mechanisms of <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> A6 (A6). The findings indicated that A6 supplementation effectively attenuated ceftriaxone-associated diarrhea in mice. The morphological damage to the villi and crypts was partially restored and more neatly reorganized following the A6 intervention. Additionally, intestinal morphology observations revealed a significant increase in the thickness of the mucus layer in the A6-treated group. Further examination of key regulatory genes associated with mucus secretion demonstrated that the A6 intervention effectively upregulated the expression of <i>mucin1</i>, thereby reinforcing the mucus layer. Concurrently, the A6 intervention upregulated the expression of the <i>AQP4</i> and <i>SLC26A3</i> genes in the intestine, which is responsible for restoring water absorption capacity in AAD mice. Additionally, the A6 treatment reduced ceftriaxone-induced harm to the intestinal microbiota of the mice, boosting beneficial bacteria like <i>Bacteroidales</i>, <i>Akkermansia</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium</i>, and <i>Lactobacillus</i>. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of A6 in restoring intestinal homeostasis and alleviating symptoms associated with AAD. |
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| ISSN: | 2304-8158 |