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Use of a microbial endocrinology designed dopamine-producing probiotic to control gut neurochemical levels associated with the development of gut inflammation

Summary

Researchers developed a special probiotic bacteria (Enterococcus faecium) that produces dopamine, a mood-boosting chemical, to reduce inflammation in chickens’ digestive systems. When combined with L-dopa (a dopamine precursor found in Mucuna beans), this probiotic successfully lowered levels of norepinephrine, a stress chemical that promotes gut inflammation. This approach could help poultry farmers improve chicken health and growth without using antibiotics, which are no longer permitted in feed.

Background

Discontinuance of antibiotics in poultry feed has led to emergence of chronic gut inflammation. Neurochemicals like norepinephrine regulate immune responses and contribute to inflammation pathogenesis. Probiotics show inconsistent results due to incomplete understanding of mechanistic action.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a dopamine-producing Enterococcus faecium probiotic in controlling gut neurochemical levels, specifically suppressing norepinephrine production associated with diet-induced gut inflammation in broiler chickens.

Results

The NSP inflammation diet induced significant increases in cecal norepinephrine compared to corn-soy controls. Combined L-dopa prebiotic with dopamine-producing E. faecium probiotic abrogated the NSP-induced norepinephrine increase. L-dopa alone also suppressed norepinephrine elevation, though the combination with probiotic provided more consistent results across replicates.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a microbial endocrinology-designed dopamine-producing probiotic can effectively suppress inflammation-induced norepinephrine production in poultry. The approach provides a mechanistic, quantifiable means to control gut inflammation and represents a promising strategy to prevent chronic intestinal inflammation and improve growth performance in poultry.
  • Published in:Poultry Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40203727; DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.105028
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