Alleviation of Anxiety/Depressive-Like Behaviors and Improvement of Cognitive Functions by Lactobacillus plantarum WLPL04 in Chronically Stressed Mice. (31st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Xuan; Zhang, Hong-Fei; Ma, Chao-Lin; Wei, Hua; Li, Bao-Ming; Luo, Jie
• Other Names: DeTolla Louis Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology =. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-31
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Infection; Communicable Diseases; Communicable Disease Control; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/6613903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1712-9532

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Intestinal microorganisms play an important role in regulating the neurodevelopment and the brain functions of the host through the gut-brain axis. Lactobacillus, one of the most representative intestinal probiotics, produces important effects on human physiological functions. Our previous studies reveal that the Lactobacillus plantarum WLPL04 has a series of beneficial actions, such as antiadhesion of pathogens, protection from the harmful effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate, and anti-inflammatory stress on Caco2 cells. However, its effects on brain functions remain unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the potential effect of L. plantarum WLPL04 on anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in chronically restrained mice. Methods . Newly weaned mice were exposed to chronic restraint stress for four weeks and raised daily with or without L . plantarum WLPL04 water supplement. Animals were behaviorally assessed for anxiety/depression and cognitive functions. The 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the intestinal microbiota structure. The levels of the medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) and serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were examined using Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results . The chronic stress-induced anxiety/depressive-like behaviors and cognitive deficits were significantly alleviated by the L . plantarum WLPL04 treatment. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the chronic stress reduced the diversity and the richness of intestinal microbiota, which were rescued by the L . plantarum WLPL04 treatment. The levels of BDNF and TrkB in the mPFC and the concentration of 5-HT in the serum remained unchanged in chronically restrained mice treated with the L. plantarum WLPL04. Conclusions . The L. plantarum WLPL04 can rescue anxiety/depressive-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunctions, reverse the abnormal change in intestinal microbiota, and alleviate the reduced levels of 5-HT, BDNF, and TrkB induced by chronic stress in mice, providing an experimental basis for the therapeutic application of L. plantarum on anxiety/depression.