Modulation of acute phase parameters of inflammation by probiotics in albino rats

Abstract

We investigated the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus on acute phase parameters in infected animals and to evaluate its possible use as alternative to replace the classical anti-inflammatory drugs as a trial to avoid the side effect of these drugs and its disadvantages. Forty albino rats were divided into four groups, group A was given saline orally and kept as normal-control rats, group B was orally given Lactobacillus acidophilus at a dose regimen of 108 CFU/day and kept as normal-treated rats for 6 weeks, group C was experimentally infected with Salmonella typhimurium (0.2 mL of 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL) and received saline orally to be kept as diseased-control rats, while group D was orally given Lactobacillus acidophilus (108 CFU/day) for 6 weeks and experimentally infected with Salmonella typhimurium and kept as diseased-treated rats. Results of group D revealed significant decrease in ESR, fibrinogen, TIBC, UIBC, and ceruloplasmin, especially on the 34th day post infection. On the other hand, significant increase in total proteins, albumin, total iron, and transferrin saturation percentage was revealed, when compared with group C. These data indicate that the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus may alter acute phase proteins after infection and significantly reduce the degree of inflammation.