Ability of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus reuteri to protect against oxidative stress in rats fed aflatoxins-contaminated diet

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been reported to remove mycotoxins from aqueous solutions through a binding process, which appears to be species and strain specific. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective role of Lactobacillus casei (L1) and Lactobacillus reuteri (L2) against aflatoxin (AFs)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Sixty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups including the control group and the groups treated with L1 or L2 (1 × 1011/ml) alone at a dose of 10 ml/kg b.w or plus AFs (3 mg/kg diet) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatments, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological studies. The results indicated that AFs alone induced a significant decrease in food intake and body weight and a significant increase in transaminase, alkaline phosphatase cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids, creatinine, uric acid and nitric oxide in serum and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney accompanied with a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity. Treatments with L1 or L2 succeeded to induce a significant improvement in all the biochemical parameters and histological picture of the liver. Moreover, L2 was more effective than L1 and both can be used safely in functional foods. ► The role of Lactobacillus casei and L. reuteri was studied in aflatoxin-treated rats. ► Serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant and oxidative stress markers were studied. ► Histological examination of liver tissues was also carried out. ► Both strains showed a protective effect and L. reuteri was effective than L. casei. ► These strains might be incorporate into food to protect against aflatoxin.