The use of a pharmabiotic based on the Lactobacillus fermentum U-21 strain to modulate the neurodegenerative process in an experimental model of Parkinson disease

Introduction. Experimental and clinical studies have repeatedly shown the interplay between the intestinal microbiota properties and the nervous system, with a clear link established between changes in microbiota and the development of a neurodegenerative process. It is thought that inflammation and microbiota disturbances provoke the spread of pathological forms of a-synuclein in the nervous system, which is recognized as the main cause of neurodegeneration in Parkinson disease (PD).

Aim of the study: to identify the effect of a pharmabiotic based on a Lactobacillus fermentum U-21 strain in Wistar rats with paraquat-induced parkinsonism.

Materials and methods. Two groups of animals received intra-abdominal paraquat injections (8 doses of 10 mg/kg, every second day for 15 days) and then received orally either a 0.9% NaCl solution, or the U-21 preparation daily for 15 days. The control groups received 0.9% NaCl injections and either a U-21 preparation, or a 0.9% NaCl solution orally under the same regimen. Motor activity was tested in the open field and narrowing beam walking tests. Changes in tyrosine hydroxylase positive enteric plexus fibers and the in quantity of intestinal villi goblet cells were measured morphologically.

Results. Paraquat administration led to a gradual animal death, however, administration of the U-21 increased their survival rate and preserved their motor activity at the level of the control rats. Oral administration of the pharmabiotic only did not alter the animals’ motor activity. Paraquat reduced density of the tyrosine hydroxylase positive fibers and increased the number of goblet cells, while the study drug partially diminished the changes induced by paraquat.

Conclusion. The U-21 preparation demonstrated high biological activity in the neurotoxin-induced model of PD, which justifies further, extended studies of its effects.