Supplementation of Lactobacillus Probiotic Strains Supports Gut- Brain-Axis and Defends Autistic Deficits Occurred by Valproic Acid-Induced Prenatal Model of Autism

Background: Gut microbiota can interact with the brain by bidirectional communication through Gut-Brain-Axis. Gut microbiota colonization is essential for the establishment of symbiotic relation between gut and brain. A healthy gut can properly directs the brain for its functions. Autistic people are deficient in gut microbiota, a condition known as Dysbiosis. Gastro-Intestinal symptoms are comorbid conditions in autism. Re-colonization with daily supplementation of microbiota is needed in autism. Methods: Autism induced by Valproic acid (VPA) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, i.p. on an embryonic day (ED) 12 to the pregnant rats. Born rats exhibited many autistic features, for the treatment we selected specific Lactobacilli strains such as L. Plantarum, L. Casei, L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricus, with a dosage of not less than (NLT) 1 Billion Colony-forming units (CFU) /ml given orally every day for 42 days. Results: The results showed that Lactobacillus strains significant ameliorated the behavioral anomalies such as T-Maze, Memory, Social interaction studies as compared to the autistic group. Furthermore, Lactobacillus supplementation helped to shift the hypersertonomia (27.33±2.33 vs 8.167±0.72), increasesd BDNF (59.00±2.08 vs 48.17±0.60) increased IL-6 (46.00±1.52 vs 32.00±1.73) and TNF- α levels (145.0±3.21 vs 98.67 ± 2.028) to baseline. Histopathology examination of the cerebellum revealed that apoptosis and degeneration were reversed with lactobacillus treatment. Conclusion: This study proved, daily supplementation of Lactobacillus strains has reversed autistic deficits and improved immune functions might because of gut and brain symbiotic relationship.