<it>Lactobacillus casei </it>modulates the inflammation-coagulation interaction in a pneumococcal pneumonia experimental model

• Main Authors: Alvarez Susana (Author), Zelaya Hortensia (Author), Villena Julio (Author), Haro Cecilia (Author), Agüero Graciela (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2009-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We have previously demonstrated that <it>Lactobacillus casei </it>CRL 431 administration improved the resistance to pneumococcal infection in a mouse model.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study examined the effects of the oral administration of <it>Lactobacillus casei </it>CRL 431 (<it>L. casei</it>) on the activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems as well as their inhibitors during a <it>Streptococcus pneumoniae </it>infection in mice.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The alveolo-capillary membrane was damaged and the coagulation system was also activated by the infection. As a consequence, we could see fibrin(ogen) deposits in lung histological slices, increased levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TATc) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and plasma, decrease in prothrombin activity (PT) and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time test (APTT) values. Factor VII (FVII) and factor X (FX) were decreased in plasma, whereas fibrinogen (F) and factor VIII (FVIII) were increased. The low levels of protein C (PC) in BAL and plasma proved damage on inhibitory activity. The infected animals showed reduced fibrinolytic activity, evidenced by an increase in plasminogen activation inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in BAL and plasma. The pathogen induced an increase of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BAL and serum a few hours after challenge followed by a significant decrease until the end of the assayed period. IL-4 and IL-10 in BAL and serum were also augmented, especially at the end of the experiment. The animals treated with <it>L. casei </it>showed an improvement of alveolo-capillary membrane, lower fibrin(ogen) deposits in lung and decrease in TATc. APTT test and PT, FVII and FX activity were normalized. L. casei group showed lower F levels than control during whole experiment. In the present study no effect of <it>L. casei </it>on the recovery of the inhibitory activity was detected. However, <it>L. casei </it>was effective in reducing PAI-1 levels in BAL and in increasing anti-inflammatory ILs concentration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>L. casei </it>proved effective to regulate coagulation activation and fibrinolysis inhibition during infection, leading to a decrease in fibrin deposits in lung. This protective effect of <it>L. casei </it>would be mediated by the induction of higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 which could regulate the anti-inflammatory, procoagulant and antifibrinolytic effects of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1476-9255-6-28
1476-9255