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This study demonstrates that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GUANKE probiotic strain provides protective effects against zearalenone (ZEN)-induced intestinal damage in both pig intestinal cells and mice. The probiotic significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), increased anti-inflammatory IL-10, and improved intestinal structural integrity as measured by villus height-to-crypt depth ratios. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the protective mechanism involves suppression of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway that is activated by ZEN exposure.
Why it matters
Zearalenone is a common mycotoxin contaminant in animal feed and human food supplies that causes intestinal dysfunction. This research identifies a specific probiotic strain that could serve as a dietary intervention to mitigate ZEN toxicity in livestock and potentially reduce food safety risks, offering a practical approach to managing mycotoxin contamination in agriculture.
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by Qiaoning Chang, Yanchao Zhao, Han Li, Bin Zhang, Meidi Zhang, Pei Zhao, Jingmin He, Bugao Li, Ming D. Li
Aims
This study evaluated L. plantarum GUANKE’s protective effects on ZEN-induced intestinal dysfunction and explored its molecular mechanisms.
Methods
In vitro, IPEC-J2 cells were divided into control, ZEN (40 μM), GUANKE (20 MOI), and ZEN+GUANKE groups (24 h treatment). Cell viability (CCK-8), oxidative stress indicators (LDH, ROS, T-SOD, GSH, MDA), and inflammatory cytokine mRNAs (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10) were detected. In vivo, Balb/c mice were randomized into five groups (control, ZEN, GUANKE, ZEN + LG, ZEN + HG) for 28 days of intervention. Jejunum histology (H&E staining), oxidative stress/inflammatory factors (kits/ELISA), serum intestinal function indices (D-xylose, D-lactate, DAO), and transcriptomic analysis were performed.
Results
L. plantarum GUANKE significantly improved IPEC-J2 cell viability, reduced LDH release (P < 0.01) and ROS accumulation (P < 0.001), restored T-SOD/GSH activities (P < 0.05), decreased MDA (P < 0.05), suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α; P < 0.05), and upregulated IL-10 (P < 0.05). In mice, L. plantarum GUANKE increased villus height/crypt depth ratio (P < 0.01), restored antioxidant status (P < 0.05), and rebalanced cytokine expression (P < 0.05 for pro-inflammatory; P < 0.01 for IL-10). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that ZEN activated the NF-κB pathway, while L. plantarum GUANKE treatment was associated with reduced pathway activity.