Protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 21, a probiotic on trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Inflammatory mediators play a crucial role in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum 21 (LAB 21) on inflammatory mediators in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. The inflammatory response was assessed by changes in colon morphology, histopathology, and measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) mRNA and protein levels by ELISA. Besides, protein expressions of IL-1 beta and IL-10 were also evaluated by western blot. Treatment with LAB 21 (1 x 10(10) CFU/rat/day) and sulfasalazine (500 mg kg(-1) body weight) for 14 days after induction of colitis, significantly decreased TBARS, NO and increased GSH concentration. The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha were down-regulated, whereas, protein and mRNA expression of IL-10 was up-regulated in LAB 21-treated rats. Moreover, LAB 21 attenuated the macroscopic colonic damage, histopathological changes induced by TNBS. These results suggest that LAB 21 may be effective in the treatment of UC by immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.