Regulatory role and mechanism of the probiotics on monosodium urate crystal-induced gout inflammation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Gout is an inflammatory disease characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. Probiotics have the potential effect of alleviating inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of oral administration of the multi-strain probiotic Bifico and single-strain FN041 in a model of MSU-induced gout inflammation in mice and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: To investigate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota alleviates gouty inflammation, mice were orally administered Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus FN041, colchicine, or distilled water daily for 21 days. Acute inflammation models were established by injecting monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous air pouch to induce peritonitis and localized gouty inflammation, respectively. Peritoneal lavage fluid, serum, and subcutaneous tissue were collected and analyzed by H&E staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and Western blot to assess inflammatory responses. RESULTS: The results confirmed that Bifico and FN041 reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration in the peritoneal cavity and synovial tissues of mice. The results of PCR and western blot analysis showed that Bifico and FN041 significantly downregulated the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β, thereby alleviating gout inflammation. Immunohistochemical results also confirmed that Bifico and FN041 reduced the expression of inflammatory elements such as IL-1β, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in synovial tissue. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, probiotics Bifico and FN041 reduced the inflammatory response in gout, with the potential mechanism being the regulation of the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway to control inflammation. Multi-strain Bifico has a stronger anti-inflammatory efficacy than single-strain FN041. Key Points • Probiotics Bifico and Limosilactobacillus reuteri FN041 effectively alleviated the inflammatory response in gout. • The anti-inflammatory effects of Bifico and FN041 are primarily mediated through the regulation of the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway. • The multi-strain probiotic Bifico demonstrated a more pronounced anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to the single-strain probiotic FN041.