The Potential Role of Probiotic and Postbiotic Mixture in Ameliorating Oxidative Stress, Effect on Kidney and Intestine of Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Copper

Purpose

Pollutants, including the excessive accumulation of copper, provide considerable health problems by causing various physiological diseases. Although necessary for certain body activities, excessive amounts of copper can be toxic and lead to damage in the gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and neurological systems, among other effects. The current study investigated the therapeutic benefits of probiotics and postbiotics in reducing the adverse effects of copper in a rat model.

Methods

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, CuSO4-control, third (probiotic) experimental group, and fourth (postbiotic) experimental group. Copper toxicity was induced by administering 200 mg CuSO4/kg. Then, the probiotic and postbiotic groups received daily doses containing Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus helveticus. Serum biochemical parameters, histopathological changes, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression in renal and intestinal tissues were evaluated.

Results

The CuSO₄ significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, and sodium levels and reduced potassium levels. Also, histopathological analysis indicated severe renal and intestinal tissue damage, increased oxidative stress, and altered inflammatory gene expression. Probiotic and postbiotic treatments significantly ameliorated these effects, as evidenced by improved serum biochemical profiles, reduced histopathological damage, and ameliorated oxidative and inflammatory markers. The administration of probiotics and postbiotics significantly decreased CuSO₄ toxicity in renal and intestinal systems.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that taking probiotics and postbiotics could be a novel strategy for heavy metal toxicity.