The prophylactic effects of different Lactobacillus on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Recent studies have shed light on the prophylactic effects of Lactobacillus in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the modulatory mechanisms of Lactobacillus remains discrepant. The current study evaluated different Lactobacillus species on alleviating arthritis induced by collagen. The rats were intragastric administration of different lactobacilli cocktails two weeks before primary immune. The results revealed that the performance of Lactobacillus in relieving arthritis was different. L. reuteri, L. casei, L. rhamnosus and L. fermentum attenuated arthritis through species-independent pathways that inhibited pro-inflammatory and anti-CII-antibodies, and through species-dependent regulating immune that based on rebalancing the intestinal microbiota and metabolites SCFAs. In particular, L. reuteri and L. casei weaken Th1 immune response, while L. rhamnosus and L. fermentum impaired Th17 responses. Interestingly, L. plantarum did not alleviate arthritis though suppressed Th1 and Th17 immune response while L. salivarius only delayed onset of arthritis without influencing on immune responses. In conclusion, Lactobacillus protected against CIA through common and individual pathways.