Protective Effects of Probiotics Against Systemic Inflammation in Mice Model with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Induced by Cigarette-smoke.

Background: Systemic inflammation is one of hallmarks in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), contributing to high morbidity and mortality due to elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reduced level of interleukin-10 (IL-10). Probiotics have the potential to reduce systemic inflammation through the gut-lung axis. This study aims to assess the effect of probiotics compared with an inhaled bronchodilator on serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels in mice model of COPD.

Methods: This was an in vivo experimental study with a post-test only control group design. Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups; NC (healthy mice), PC (COPD induced mice); T1 (COPD mice treated with a bronchodilator), T2 (COPD mice treated with probiotics) and T3 (COPD mice treated with both a bronchodilator and probiotics). COPD was induced for 12 weeks, followed by a 6-week treatment period. After completing the treatment, serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The IL-6 levels in T2 group were reduced to levels comparable to the negative control group (13.5 vs 12.0 pg/ml respectively, p=0.84). The IL-10 levels were higher in T2 group compared to T1 group, however; this difference was not statistically significant (181.4 vs 155.0 respectively, p>0.05).

Conclusions: In mice model of COPD, probiotics have been shown to lower IL-6 levels and, to a lesser extent, increased IL-10. As a result, probiotics may have a protective effect against systemic inflammation.