Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Probiotic Bacteria and Propolis Extracts on the Growth and Histopathological Changes in Gastric Tissues of Helicobacter pylori Challenged Wistar Rats.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a significant contributor to a range of gastrointestinal conditions, with conventional treatment methods primarily relying on antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

Objectives: To determine the in vitro antibacterial potential of probiotic bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BLRH 260 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri) and four propolis extracts against H. pylori and to analyze their impacts on body weight index and histopathological changes in H. pylori-challenged Wistar rats.

Methods: The inhibitory effects of probiotic bacteria (L. rhamnosus BLRH 260 and L. reuteri) and propolis extracts on the growth of H. pylori were evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay. In vivo analysis involved fifty-four male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) infected with an H. pylori suspension (10⁸ CFU/mL) and orally administered propolis or probiotics (10⁸ CFU/mL) via gavage for 21 days. The effects of different treatments on body weight and histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples were assessed, and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results: The tested propolis extracts and the supernatant fluids from the mentioned probiotic strains showed significant antibacterial activity against H. pylori in the agar well diffusion assay, with notable variations. In vivo, the findings demonstrated that oral administrations of propolis and probiotics, either separately or in combination, led to significant increases in body weight and amelioration of histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples, particularly in terms of erosion depth, hemorrhagic inflammation, and apoptosis in the infected animals. Histopathological differences between antibiotic-treated animals and those receiving other treatments were observed, with significant differences.

Conclusions: The results of this study underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of propolis and probiotics in addressing H. pylori-induced gastropathy. Additional research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to refine dosage and treatment protocols for optimal effectiveness.