Protective effects of Weizmannia coagulans LBK against acute cadmium toxicity in mice

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental non-biodegradable pollutant that induces toxic effects in humans. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify new methods to relieve cadmium-induced toxic damage. In this study, Weizmannia coagulans (formerly termed Bacillus coagulans) LBK, which was isolated from silage feed, exhibited robust Cd tolerance and adsorption capabilities. In vitro experiments demonstrated that its scavenging rate for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals was 40% and 39%, respectively. In vivo, LBK significantly reduced the mortality rate of cadmium-exposed mice. Moreover, LBK increased the hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and histopathology examination suggested that LBK could attenuate liver damage. W. coagulans LBK significantly altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Leptospirillaceae and Lactobacillus. Metabolomics analysis of cecal contents revealed that LBK regulated amino acid metabolic disorders caused by Cd exposure and restored the levels of glutamic acid, leucine, and aspartic acid. Based on the aforementioned advantages, W. coagulans LBK may be considered a promising candidate for alleviating oxidative stress caused by acute Cd exposure.