Screening and Evaluation of Probiotics for Reducing Intestinal Inflammation

In this study, we applied Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced enteritis in mice to evaluate the effects of probiotics on reducing intestinal inflammation and damage. The 8-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (n = 10): normal group (without DSS), negative control group (DSS-induced), probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici GKA4 group (DSS + GKA4), Pediococcus pentosa-ceus GKP4 group (DSS + GKP4), Lactobacillus reuteri GKR1 group (DSS + GKR1), and GK4 group (DSS + GK4). Mice were given tested bacteria at an equivalent to 1 gram of adult daily intake for 14 consecutive days. Then 3.5% DSS was added to drinking water from day 7 th to day 14 th to induce intestinal damage. The results showed that the Pediococcus GKA4 group and GKP4 group were significantly improved in weight loss, colon length, disease activity index, and other indicators when compared with the negative control group. In addition, both Pediococcus groups reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL-6, and TNF-α in serum; thereby, alleviating the intestinal inflammation caused by DSS. Based on these results, P. acidilactici GKA4 and P. pentosaceus GKP4 have the potential characteristic to be used as probiotics for intestinal-related diseases.