THE KEY ROLE OF KEFIR PROBIOTIC IN ENHANCEMENT THE THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN LPS- INDUCED LIVER INJURY

Abstract

Acute liver injury occurs after intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are both important in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced liver injury. This study investigated the key role of kefir probiotic in enhancement therapeutic actionof mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) against LPS-induced liver injury.Sixty female rats were divided into 6 groups (10 rats each),Control group, LPS treated group, LPS + probiotic, probiotic + LPS + probiotic, LPS + MSCs and probiotic + LPS + MSCs +probiotic. Hepatic function, cytokine level, MDA, GSH and the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and PON1 as well as the m RNA expression of NF-κB, iNOS and caspase-3 were monitored in rat's liver. Injection of LPS significantly increased ALT, AST, TNF-α in association with dramatic decrease of serum albumin and IL-10 levels. Oxidative stress evidenced by increased MDA in association witha significant decline of GSH content and the antioxidant enzymatic activity of SOD and PON1. Furthermore, theRNA expression of NF-κB, iNOS and caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated in liver tissue. Administration of kefir or MSCs alone significantly suppressed LPS-induced liver injury. The pre and co-treatment of kefir with MSCs potentiate the therapeutic action of MSCs. Pre and co-treatment of kefir probiotic with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation could be viable approach for the treatment of liver injury.

Keywords: Endotoxin, Liver oxidative stress, inflammatory response, Probiotics and mesenchymal stem cells