Biochemical and histological evaluation of a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain as a promising probiotic therapy for treating IBD induced by acetic acids in rats

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition with significant impacts on quality of life. Current treatments, including anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, often cause severe side effects, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Probiotics offer a promising therapeutic option due to their ability to modulate gut microbiota and reduce inflammation. This study evaluates the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C4 strain, isolated from milk, in an acetic acid-induced IBD rat model. Rats were divided into five groups, five animals each. Animal groups were negative control, positive control (induction only), and three treatment groups receiving sulfasalazine, a commercial probiotic, or the novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C4 strain. Efficacy was assessed through histological examination and biochemical analysis, including inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde). The novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain demonstrated comparable effectiveness to sulfasalazine in mitigating histological damage, reducing inflammatory marker levels, and restoring antioxidant enzymes activity. These findings suggest that the novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C4 holds significant promise as a safe, effective and accessible therapeutic option for IBD.