Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP4 alleviates alcoholic liver disease in C57BL/6 mice

Chronic alcoholism can result in alcoholic liver disease. Current treatment methods for alcoholic liver injury primarily include abstinence, drug therapy, and surgical treatment. However, these methods have their own shortcomings - abstinence does not cure alcoholic liver disease, drug therapy can produce negative side effects, and surgical treatment is often accompanied by risks, specifically liver rejection. Therefore, it is especially important to find a safe and effective method to ameliorate alcoholic liver disease. Probiotics, as natural microorganisms in the human intestine, can effectively alleviate alcoholic liver disease due to their unique properties. While Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum, a representative strain of probiotics, has been shown to exert beneficial effects against alcoholic liver injury, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, a murine model of alcoholic liver injury was established in C57BL/6 mice by feeding mice a Lieber-DeCarli diet for 2 weeks. This model was then utilised to assess the potential protective mechanism of Lpb. plantarum LP4. The results demonstrated that Lpb. plantarum LP4 could significantly decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and liver, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. Furthermore, treatment with Lpb. plantarum LP4 inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver by modulating several signalling pathways. In addition, Lpb. plantarum LP4 also prevented endotoxin-induced hepatic injury by protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier. In conclusion, Lpb. plantarum LP4 can effectively alleviate alcoholic liver injury in C57BL/6 mice.