Probiotics Prevent Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Acute Pancreatitis in Rats via Induction of Ileal Mucosal Glutathione Biosynthesis
2009

Probiotics Help Protect the Gut in Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Sample size: 53 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lutgendorff Femke, Nijmeijer Rian M., Sandström Per A., Trulsson Lena M., Magnusson Karl-Eric, Timmerman Harro M., van Minnen L. Paul, Rijkers Ger T., Gooszen Hein G., Akkermans Louis M. A., Söderholm Johan D.

Primary Institution: Linköping University and University Medical Center Utrecht

Hypothesis

Can probiotics prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction and oxidative stress during acute pancreatitis?

Conclusion

Probiotic pre-treatment reduced intestinal barrier dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats with acute pancreatitis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Probiotics reduced the increase in E. coli passage during acute pancreatitis.
  • Probiotics normalized mucosal glutathione levels compared to placebo.
  • Probiotic treatment decreased epithelial cell apoptosis by 70%.
  • Probiotics prevented disruption of tight junction proteins in the intestine.

Takeaway

Giving probiotics to sick rats helped their intestines stay healthy and fight off damage during a serious illness called pancreatitis.

Methodology

Fifty-three male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups to study the effects of probiotics on intestinal barrier function during acute pancreatitis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the use of a specific probiotic mixture and the controlled experimental conditions.

Limitations

The study was conducted in rats, and results may not directly translate to humans.

Participant Demographics

Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 50-70 days.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004512

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