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Mitigating nickel-induced toxicity: the protective role of native probiotic strains on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in mice lung tissues

Summary

This study examined how probiotic bacteria can protect lung tissue from damage caused by nickel exposure. Researchers gave mice nickel to cause oxidative stress and inflammation, then treated them with beneficial bacteria from four probiotic strains. The probiotics successfully reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory responses in the lung tissue by activating protective genes and deactivating inflammatory genes. This research suggests that probiotics could be a natural way to prevent lung damage from heavy metal exposure.

Background

Nickel exposure is an environmental and occupational hazard that causes pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially leading to chronic respiratory conditions. Probiotics possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer protection against heavy metal-induced toxicity. The study investigates how native probiotic strains can reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative damage in lung tissues.

Objective

To investigate the protective effects of native probiotic strains on nickel-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in mouse lung tissues. The research examined how these probiotics modulate antioxidant gene expression and inflammatory signaling pathways following nickel exposure.

Results

Native probiotic strains significantly upregulated antioxidant genes (CAT, GPX, HO-1, SOD, TRX, Nrf2) while nickel exposure diminished their expression. Co-administration of probiotics with nickel led to marked increases in antioxidant gene expression compared to controls. Probiotics also downregulated inflammatory pathway genes (RELA, IKKA, IKKB) that were elevated by nickel exposure, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion

Native probiotic strains effectively mitigate nickel-induced oxidative stress and inflammation through upregulation of antioxidant genes and downregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways in lung tissue. These findings support probiotics as a promising therapeutic strategy to protect against heavy metal toxicity and prevent pulmonary disorders. Further research including histopathological evaluation and varied dosages is recommended.
  • Published in:BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s40360-025-01047-2, PMID: 41430359
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