Neuroprotective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum DP189 on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease model mice

Probiotic has significant potential as a therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease (PD), but how it contributes to disease processes and symptoms remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum DP189 on the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of PD model mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a PD model and treated by oral administration of L. plantarum DP189 for 14 days. The results indicated that L. plantarum DP189 improved behavioral ability and increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine of PD mice. L. plantarum DP189 significantly increased the positive rate of tyrosine hydroxylase cells. L. plantarum DP189 activated the ERK2 and AKT/mTOR pathways, promoted the expression of Bcl-2, and inhibited the activities of Bax and Caspase 3. The results indicated that L. plantarum DP189 had a significant protective effect on the SN dopaminergic neurons in PD mice.