Modulation of the Hepatic Cytokine Response to Portal Endotoxaemia using the Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v

Abstract

AIM: Therapies are required to reduce bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice. This study aimed to determine the effect of LP299v in biliary obstruction. METHODS: Rats were randomised into three test-feed groups - LP299v, placebo or water. Each received 2mL daily test feed (day 1-7). All underwent laparotomy and bile duct ligation (day 8). Test feeding continued for another week (day 9-15), prior to isolated hepatic perfusion (day 16). Day 1 gavage with 14C PEG 4000 provided baseline intestinal permeability, with repetition on days 9 and 15. Isolated in-situ hepatic perfusion of Endotoxin (E. coli) was performed for 2 hours on day 16. Before and during perfusion samples of influent and effluent perfusate were taken for analysis. Finally, liver sections were processed for histological and TEM assessment. RESULTS: There was no difference in weight loss, serum liver biochemistry, intestinal permeability, morphology, effluent perfusate TNFα and IL-6 between the three groups. AST and LDH were higher in the effluent perfusate of the placebo group at 80 minutes. The LP299v group demonstrated a lower IL-10 response to portal endotoxaemia compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: LP299v slightly altered the inflammatory response to portal endotoxaemia. This mild inflammatory modulation may benefit patients undergoing interventional procedures.