LGG/LAC-MMT combination mitigates AFB1-induced liver and intestinal injury in mice based on intestinal microbiota modulation

AFB₁ induces hepatotoxicity and enterotoxicity. <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> (LAC) and <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> (LGG), both belonging to LAB, have strong binding affinity for AFB₁. Montmorillonite (MMT) not only adsorbs AFB₁ but also serves as a carrier for LAB, thereby enhancing their colonization ability and prolonging their survival. Despite the unclear effects of LGG/LAC-MMT combination on AFB₁-induced tissue injury and intestinal microbiota disruption, this study aimed to determine whether it could effectively alleviate tissue damage from AFB₁ exposure and enhance LAB colonization capacity in mouse intestines. Separately, LGG (2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL) and LAC (2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL) were combined with MMT (0.5 mg/kg), and the AFB₁-intoxicated mice were gavaged with the mixtures for 4 weeks. Findings suggested that LGG, LAC, and MMT supplementation restored oxidative stress and inflammatory caused by AFB₁ to some degree. Furthermore, they altered the intestinal microbiota structure, enhancing the colonization ability of LABs, thereby alleviating liver and intestinal injury. The combination of LGG/LAC-MMT was more effective, especially LAC-MMT. Overall, LGG/LAC-MMT exhibits a synergistic effect and can effectively ameliorate AFB₁-induced tissue injury and intestinal microbiota disorder.