<i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> FSJ13 alleviates pancreatic fibrosis in mice <i>via</i> fibroblast growth factor 21

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive fibro-inflammatory condition with a multifactorial etiology, leading to diminished quality of life and increased mortality rates. The incidence and prevalence of chronic pancreatitis are increasing every year, and no definitive cure is currently available. <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> (<i>L. rhamnosus</i>) has demonstrated potential in alleviating fibrotic diseases. However, its role in CP remains unexplored. This study demonstrated that CP in mice is associated with gut dysbiosis, characterized by a significant decrease in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, including <i>Roseburia</i>, <i>Lachnoclostridium</i>, and <i>Eubacterium</i>. Supplementation with <i>L. rhamnosus</i> FSJ13 enhanced the abundance of these bacteria, elevated serum and fecal butyrate levels and significantly upregulated pancreatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels. Notably, the beneficial effects of <i>L. rhamnosus</i> FSJ13 were abolished in CP mice treated with an FGF21 receptor inhibitor. These findings suggest that <i>L. rhamnosus</i> FSJ13 reduces pancreatic fibrosis <i>via</i> FGF21, providing evidence for its use in alleviating CP fibrosis.