An Optimized Probiotic Formulation Achieves Sustained Gut Microbiota Modulation and Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Although probiotic products are widely used to promote gut health, their long-term efficacy is often constrained by poor colonization and transient microbial modulation. To address these limitations, we developed and evaluated a probiotic beverage comprising <i>Lactobacillus</i>-based strains (<i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> LGD-0817, <i>L. rhamnosus</i> LDL-1708, <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> LPM-0188, <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> LEP-1208, <i>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</i> subsp. <i>bulgaricus</i> RHM-1068, <i>Lactobacillus paracasei</i> LPA-2088, <i>L. paracasei</i> BMC-2020, <i>Limosilactobacillus fermentum</i> LAF-1387, and <i>L. plantarum</i> MCA-3066) formulated to optimize inter-strain synergy, enhance colonization efficiency, and improve long-term functionality. 16S rRNA sequencing conducted one week after treatment cessation revealed a marked enrichment of <i>Lactobacillales</i> and <i>Lactobacillaceae</i>-taxonomic groups to which administered probiotic strains belong-indicating durable colonization by the introduced strains. To further assess the functional relevance of this microbial shift, a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model was employed. Probiotic intervention significantly improved disease outcomes, including increased colon length, reduced histopathological inflammation scores, enhanced goblet cell numbers, and lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin (IL)-1β). Collectively, these results underscore the efficacy of this formulation in achieving sustained modulation of the gut microbiota and alleviating intestinal inflammation, and support its potential for broader applications in gut health management.