Abstract
Maintaining a regular and nutritious diet has recently become a significant concern due to its impact on various health conditions. Despite following a normal diet, the presence of inflammation and oxidative stress can have negative consequences, especially in IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) patients. The use of beneficial agents such as probiotics in their inactive form, known as paraprobiotics, can help counteract these adverse effects by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of native probiotic strains and their inactive derivatives, known as paraprobiotics, in mitigating the harmful effects of DSS-induced colitis. Twenty male wild-type C57BL/6 mice were treated with native probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri RP100, Lactobacillus plantarum RP42, Lactobacillus plantarum RP119, Lactobacillus plantarum RP155, Bifidobacterium bifidum RP1001, and Bifidobacterium longum RP1044, as well as the derived paraprobiotics. The mice were divided into four experimental groups: normal diet (ND) + PBS, ND + DSS (Dextran Sodium Sulfate), ND + DSS + 10(9) cfu/ml of probiotic strains, and ND + DSS + 10(9) cfu/mL of paraprobiotic. Colitis indices, evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant enzymes, anti/pro inflammatory cytokines, and expression of NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways genes were assessed. A significant difference was noted among the groups exposed to DSS, where mice treated with probiotics and paraprobiotics in addition to DSS showed a decrease in the harmful effects caused by DSS, both in terms of enzymatic assessments and molecular markers like Nrf2 and NF-kB related genes, with similar outcomes between our native probiotic and paraprobiotic. The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of our native probiotics and paraprobiotics at molecular and phenotypic levels suggest that these agents, especially paraprobiotics as non-living entities, could be valuable supplementary treatment options to improve the quality of life for individuals with IBD.