Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM639 can prevent aluminium-induced neural injuries and abnormal behaviour in mice

Aluminium (Al) is a neurotoxin that has a diverse range of negative effects on cerebral function. In our previous study, a candidate probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM639, was selected for its ability to alleviate Al toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Our aim was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of L. plantarum CCFM639 in Al-induced neuronal injury. L. plantarum CCFM639 or defetoxamine was given to mice by gavage once daily for 14 weeks. During the first 8 weeks, aluminium chloride was administered orally to all mice via drinking water. The results showed that L. plantarum CCFM639 significantly improved memory deficits of Al-exposed mice. This candidate probiotic also reduced the accumulation of Al in the brains, restored integrity of tight junction proteins, alleviated cerebral oxidative stress and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the mice brain. Thus, L. plantarum CCFM639 demonstrates significant neuroprotective potential in Al-induced neuronal injury.