A Synbiotic Combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 and Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf Extract Prevents Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Mice

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic combination (Syn) of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 (505) and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CT) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mice under chronic stress. Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) significantly increased the serum levels of corticosterone, however, treatment with Syn suppressed UCMS-induced increases. Histopathological analysis of the testes showed that these organs experienced some damage during UCMS, but this was repaired following treatment with Syn. Similarly, the transcription levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH receptor, and gonadotropins, moreover, testicular development (i.e., Adam5, Adam29, and Spam1) - and steroidogenesis (i.e., Lhr, Egfr, and StAR) -related genes were significantly downregulated by UCMS. These UCMS-induced changes were inhibited by the administration of Syn, which was confirmed by the results of in situ hybridization analysis. These results suggest that the administration of Syn could attenuate the testicular dysfunctions induced by UCMS.

Seasonal Variation in Gut Microbiota of the Wild Daurian Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus): Metagenomic Insights into Seasonal Breeding

“…The elevated level of Lactobacillus helps to increase the efficiency of energy metabolism for the host. In addition, bacteria from Lactobacillus can attenuate testicular dysfunction in male mice by affecting the secretion of hormones (e.g., GnRH) associated with the HPG axis [ 73 ], which is critical for regulating seasonal breeding behavior. Several studies have also shown that Lactobacillus can improve spermatogenesis and enhance sperm quality in animals [ 74 , 75 , 76 ].…”

Butterflies in the gut: the interplay between intestinal microbiota and stress

“…Joung et al found that the probiotic L. gasseri 505 suppressed UCMS-induced corticosterone. Adding leaf extract Cudrania tricuspidata did not produce an additional effect on corticosterone [ 239 ]. In acute stress, Barrera-Bugueno et al showed that co-treatment with L. casei 54-2-33 and inulin in rats decreased the elevated plus maze-induced corticosterone [ 240 ].…”