Therapeutic Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091 in Alleviating Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease through Gut-Liver Axis.

Abstract

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) poses a significant global health burden, often requiring liver transplantation and resulting in fatalities. Current treatments, like corticosteroids, effectively reduce inflammation but carry significant immunosuppressive risks. This study evaluates Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091, a newly isolated probiotic strain, as a safer alternative for ALD treatment. Using an in vivo mouse model, we assessed the effects of L. plantarum FB091 on alcohol-induced liver damage and gut microbiota composition. Alcohol and probiotics administration did not significantly impact water/feed intake or body weight. Histopathological analysis showed that L. plantarum FB091 reduced hepatocellular ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues and mitigated structural damage in colon tissues, demonstrating protective effects against alcohol-induced damage. Biomarker analysis indicated that L. plantarum FB091 decreased aspartate aminotransferase levels, suggesting reduced liver damage, and increased alcohol dehydrogenase activity, indicating enhanced alcohol metabolism. Additionally, cytokine assays revealed a reduction in pro-inflammatory TNF-α and an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels in colon tissues of the L. plantarum FB091 group, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Gut microbiota analysis showed changes in the L. plantarum FB091 group, including a reduction in Cyanobacteria and an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. These changes correlated with the recovery and protection of liver and colon health. Overall, L. plantarum FB091 shows potential as a therapeutic probiotic for managing ALD through its protective effects on liver and colon tissues, enhancement of alcohol metabolism, and beneficial modulation of gut microbiota. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings in humans.