Modulation of cytokine gene expression in spleen and Peyer's patches by feeding dahi containing probiotic Lactobacillus casei in mice.

OBJECTIVE

In present study, feeding effect of probiotic dahi containing Lactobacillus casei on immune system in terms of cytokine gene expression in the spleen and Peyer's patches of mice was evaluated.

METHODS

Animals were divided into three groups and fed with; synthetic diet [control group (CD)], dahi containing mixed dahi culture [control dahi-fed group (CDF)]; and probiotic dahi fed group (PDF) for 28 days. The mRNA levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-gamma were examined after 14 and 28 days. Total lactobacilli and lactococci counts were determined in the feces.

RESULTS

The mRNA levels of IFN-gamma in both spleen and Peyer's patches was found to be significantly increased in PDF animals after 14 and 28 days (P < 0.05) compared with CD and CDF groups. The abundance of IL-2 mRNA also increased significantly in the Peyer's patches of PDF-fed animals. No significant changes were observed in mRNA levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in both spleen and Peyer's patches during whole experimental period. Further, total fecal lactobacilli and lactococci counts in the PDF group were significantly increased during first 10 days, then remained higher up to day 28 compared to other two groups.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that feeding probiotic dahi enhanced the expression of Th1 type cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2), especially in the mucosal immune organ (Peyer's patches) rather than in systemic organs (the spleen). This indicates that feeding with probiotic dahi may strengthen the host immune system and protect against the progression of various immune-mediated diseases.