Protective Effects of a Bifidobacterium longum Suspension Formulated with Avocado Oil in DNBS-Induced Colitis in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract marked by symptoms ranging from diarrhea and abdominal pain to severe bleeding and weight loss. A key factor in IBD pathogenesis is gut dysbiosis. Due to limitations and side effects of current treatments, probiotics are being explored as alternative therapies.

Objectives: This study evaluated the protective effects of a Bifidobacterium longum suspension formulated in avocado oil on dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Colitis was induced using a single intrarectal dose of DNBS (120 mg/kg). After three days, rats were treated orally with either B. longum oil suspension (2×10⁹ CFU/g/day) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Key parameters included body weight, food and water intake, colon weight, disease activity index (DAI), and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI). Biochemical markers assessed included fecal calprotectin, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histological analysis was performed on colon tissues.

Results: DNBS significantly reduced body weight and increased DAI and CMDI scores. Both treatments improved clinical and biochemical markers, reduced inflammation (calprotectin), oxidative stress (NO and MDA), and improved antioxidant levels (GSH and SOD). While dexamethasone showed slightly better results, B. longum also conferred significant protection.

Conclusions: B. longum formulated in avocado oil effectively attenuates DNBS-induced colitis, likely via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. It may serve as a promising adjunct or alternative therapy for IBD.