Probiotics have been shown to possess several properties, depending on the strain. Some probiotics have important roles in preventing infection and balancing the immune system due to the interaction between the intestinal mucosa and cells in the immune system. This study aimed to examine the properties of three probiotic strains using the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibition test in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). It was revealed that the viable cells and heat-killed cells of the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 dramatically suppressed TNF-α secretion in Caco-2 cells. The strongest strains were then chosen to treat rats with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Viable cells of the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 reduced aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the serum and significantly inhibited TNF-α secretion in the colon and liver tissues. Treatment with the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 alleviated the colon and liver histopathology in DSS-induced colitis rats. Furthermore, supplementation with probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 increased the genus Lactobacillus and boosted the other beneficial bacteria in the gut. Thus, the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 exhibited an anti-inflammation effect in the colon and modulated the gut microbiota.
Keywords: Lactobacillus; colitis; dextran sulfate sodium; probiotic; tumor necrosis factor-α.