ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Some lactobacilli, which possess superoxide dismutase-like activity and catalase activity naturally, have strong antioxidative properties. The aim of this study was to identify such strains and check which of them play a crucial role in alleviating intestinal inflammation. METHODS: We selected two Lactobacillus strains for use in animal studies: L. plantarum 30B (which has the highest catalase activity) and L. acidophilus 900 (which has the highest dismutase-like activity). Forty mice (C57B1/6J) were divided into four experimental groups with ten mice in each group. Group I (control group) was not supplemented with Lactobacillus, group II (catalase group) was orally supplemented with L. plantarum 30B, group III (dismutase-like group) was supplemented with L. acidophilus 900, and group IV (mixed group) was supplemented with both Lactobacillus strains. For 23 days, the temperature and body mass of each mouse were recorded and fecal samples for microbiological examination were collected. On day 23, the animals were sacrificed, and their intestines were removed for microbiological and histopathological studies. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the highest drop in the body temperature was observed in groups II (P<0.05) and IV (P<0.05). Similarly, groups II (P<0.05) and IV (P<0.05) had the highest drop in body mass. Moreover, histopathological evaluation of colon fragments showed intracryptic abscesses in these groups. Group III mice showed most limited degree of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus strains with dismutase-like activity are more effective in alleviating intestinal inflammation than strains producing catalase, suggesting that superoxide anion radical decomposition is crucial in this process.