Oral Administration of Probiotics Inhibits Absorption of the Heavy Metal Cadmium by Protecting the Intestinal Barrier Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
-
Probiotics
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigates the effects of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8610, on the inhibition of cadmium (Cd) absorption in the intestines. The primary focus was on understanding how probiotics can protect the gut barrier and alleviate cadmium-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. The study aimed to test whether probiotics could prevent intestinal Cd absorption through mechanisms beyond Cd binding, specifically targeting gut barrier protection.
Who was studied?
The research was conducted on both human intestinal cell lines (HT-29) and mouse models. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the protective effects of probiotics on intestinal cell viability, tight junction integrity, and oxidative stress. The mouse model was used to assess how probiotics influence Cd accumulation in tissues, fecal Cd levels, and intestinal barrier function when exposed to Cd.
Most important findings
The study demonstrated that L. plantarum CCFM8610 significantly alleviated cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in human intestinal cells and protected tight junctions from disruption. In mice, probiotics with good Cd-binding and antioxidative abilities increased fecal Cd excretion and reduced Cd accumulation in tissues. Treatment with probiotics not only protected the intestinal barrier but also decreased Cd-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Notably, L. plantarum CCFM8610, which exhibited both strong Cd-binding and antioxidative properties, showed the most significant protective effects. This strain’s antioxidative ability played a crucial role in mitigating Cd-induced oxidative damage and improving gut barrier function.
Key implications
The findings suggest that probiotics, particularly those with Cd-binding and antioxidative properties, can serve as an effective strategy to protect against heavy metal toxicity. The protective effect extends beyond merely binding to cadmium; probiotics can restore intestinal barrier integrity, reduce oxidative stress, and lower intestinal permeability, preventing further absorption of cadmium. The use of L. plantarum strains as a daily supplement could be a promising intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental cadmium exposure, especially for populations at high risk of exposure.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Cadmiun (Cd)
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal commonly found in industrial, agricultural, and environmental settings. Exposure to cadmium can occur through contaminated water, food, soil, and air, and it has been linked to a variety of health issues, including kidney damage, osteoporosis, and cancer. In agriculture, cadmium is often present in phosphate fertilizers and can accumulate in plants, entering the food chain. Its toxicity to living organisms makes cadmium a subject of regulatory concern worldwide, particularly in industrial waste disposal and environmental monitoring.