Lactobacillus helveticus Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats Through Inflammation Modulation and Gut Microbiota Regulation.

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis, with growing evidence underscoring the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis and impaired intestinal barrier function in driving inflammation and immune dysregulation.

Methods

Four strains of Lactobacillus helveticus (CCFM1501, DSCAB9M6, CCFM1263, DYNDL451) were evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.

Results

L. helveticus CCFM1501 exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic benefits. It significantly attenuated paw swelling and synovial hyperplasia and reduced serum levels of total collagen-II-specific IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9) while elevating anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, CCFM1501 enhanced intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1), increased concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric acids), and positively restructured gut microbiota composition.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that L. helveticus CCFM1501 is associated with the alleviation of CIA, which may be linked to multi-faceted mechanisms including immunomodulation, intestinal barrier repair, SCFA promotion, and microbial homeostasis restoration. These results suggest its potential as a targeted probiotic strategy for RA management and justify further clinical translation.