Effect ofLactobacillus reuterion intestinal microflora and immune parameters: involvement of sex differences

Abstract

AbstractProbiotic candidateL. reuteriwas screened out forin vivoexperiments based on a relatively higher gastrointestinal tolerance and moderate adhesiveness. As results shown inin-vivoexperiments, a significantly higher level of IL-12 at low-dose group was found both in females and males. Higher levels of T-lymphocytes were also observed in females compared to control group, however, males displayed a reduction expcept for CD8-positive cells in ileum. In comparison to the control group, the relative abundance of phylotypes in the phylumBacteroidetes(genus ofBacteroides,Prevotella) andFirmicutes(genus ofClostridiumIV) exihibited a reserve shift between sexes afterL. reuteriintervened. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of several taxa (Acetobacteroides,Lactobcaillus,bacillus) also differed markedly in sexes at low-dose group, together with microbiota diversity, as indicated by Shannon index.ImportanceSexual dimorphism has triggered researchers’ attention. However, the relationship between immune parameters and gut microbiota caused byLactobacillusat different dosage are not fully elucidated. In present research, the possible probiotic role ofL. reuteriDMSZ 8533 on immunomodulation and effect on fecal microbiota composition were investigated. Our findings demonstrate the importance of L. reuteri DMSZ 8533 as a potential probiotic strain with an immunomodulatory effect, which also alters the microflora composition depending on the sex of the host.