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The effects of Lactobacillus strains and oat fiber on methotrexate-induced enterocolitis in rats.

  • 1996-08
  • Gastroenterology 111(2)
    • Y. Mao
    • S. Nobaek
    • B. Kasravi
    • D. Adawi
    • U. Stenram
    • G. Molin
    • B. Jeppsson

Abstract

Background & aims: Administration of methotrexate to rats on an elemental diet results in severe enterocolitis and death. Lactobacilli, an integral part of the healthy gastrointestinal microecology, may provide therapeutic benefits to help the recovery from enterocolitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lactobacilli and oatbase on methotrexate-induced enterocolitis in rats.

Methods: Rats received continuous intragastric infusion of elemental diet or with supplementation of oatbase, Lactobacillus reuteri R2LC, and Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843, with and without fermentation, from the beginning of the study. Methotrexate (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on day 3, and the sampling was performed on day 6.

Results: Lactobacilli and oatbase decreased body weight loss and intestinal permeability and increased bowel mucosal mass in enterocolitic rats. Administration of lactobacilli, but not oatbase, decreased the intestinal myeloperoxidase level, reestablished intestinal microecology, and reduced bacterial translocation to extraintestinal sites. Both lactobacilli and oatbase reduced plasma endotoxin levels. The effects of lactobacilli were greater with fermentation than without fermentation or oatbase alone, and L. plantarum was more effective in reducing intestinal pathogens than L. reuteri.

Conclusions: Exogenous administration of lactobacilli, especially L. plantarum with fermentation, is helpful in reducing the severity of enterocolitis in rats.

Research Insights

SupplementHealth OutcomeEffect TypeEffect Size
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Increased Bowel Mucosal MassBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Bacterial TranslocationBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Body WeightBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Endotoxin LevelsBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Intestinal Myeloperoxidase LevelBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Intestinal PathogensBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Intestinal PermeabilityBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reduced Severity of Necrotizing EnterocolitisBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6596Reestablished Intestinal MicroecologyBeneficial
Large
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