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image of Antioxidative Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus against Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Reproductive System of Mice

Abstract

Introduction

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by a specific species of Fusarium fungus. This experimental animal study investigated the antioxidant effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on oxidative stress caused by ZEA in the ovarian and uterine tissues of an animal model.

Methods

This experimental animal study was conducted on 40 female mice randomly divided into four groups (n=10). The groups received normal saline, ZEN (40 μg/kg/day, IP), L. acidophilus [5×10^9 CFU/ml, intraperitoneally (IP)], or a combination of ZEN and L. acidophilus for one week. At the end of the intervention, blood samples were collected under deep anesthesia, and the uterine and ovarian tissues were isolated. Biochemical markers (MDA, TAC, thiol groups, sex hormones) and histological changes were evaluated. GraphPad Prism 5 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

ZEN significantly reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiol levels while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) in ovarian and uterine tissues (<0.0001), indicating heightened oxidative stress and disrupted hormonal balance by elevating progesterone and lowering estrogen levels ( < 0.0001). L. acidophilus treatment mitigated these effects, partially restoring TAC, thiol, and hormone levels ( < 0.01) while reducing MDA ( < 0.01). Histopathologically, ZEN caused a reduction in follicle count in the ovaries, which was significantly alleviated by L. acidophilus co-treatment.

Discussion

The findings highlighted the significant protective role of Lactobacillus acidophilus against ZEN-induced oxidative stress and endocrine disruption in the murine reproductive system. ZEN markedly impaired antioxidant defenses (reduced TAC and thiol levels, elevated MDA) and altered sex hormone profiles (increased progesterone, decreased estrogen), consistent with its known estrogenic and pro-oxidant effects. These adverse outcomes were accompanied by notable histopathological damage in ovarian and uterine tissues. L. acidophilus supplementation effectively attenuated these effects, likely through multiple mechanisms: direct free radical scavenging, activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathway, physical binding and detoxification of ZEN, anti-inflammatory actions, and modulation of the gut-reproductive axis via short-chain fatty acids.

Conclusion

The present study has demonstrated L. acidophilus to exert significant protective effects against ZEN-induced oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions, and tissue damage in the ovary. Thus, probiotic supplementation may serve as an effective strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of ZEN exposure on reproductive health; however, further studies are warranted.

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2026-01-02
2026-02-03

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Antioxidative Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus against Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Reproductive System of Mice
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115748855412402251119072925
/content/journals/cdth/10.2174/0115748855412402251119072925
/content/journals/cdth/10.2174/0115748855412402251119072925
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: uterine ; Lactobacillus acidophilus ; ovaries ; mycotoxin ; zearalenone ; oxidative stress

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