Effects of Single or Combined Supplementation of Probiotics and Zinc on Histological Features of Ileum, Glucagon Like Peptide-1 and Ghrelin Levels in Malnourished Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition causes small intestinal atrophy leading to impaired nutrient absorption, zinc deficiency, and intestinal mi-crobiota imbalance affecting appetite. Zinc-only supplementation programs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing the national prevalence of malnutrition. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of probiotics and zinc in single or combined supplementation on the histological features of ileum and appetite regulating hormone in malnourished rats. Materials and methods: This study included 25 rats aged 8 weeks (weight 150-200 g) divided into 5 groups. Group A served as normal receiving standard diet, group B served as malnourished receiving low calorie diet. Groups C, D, E were pretreated with calo-rie restriction for 14 days to induce malnutrition. The treatment was given for 14 days. Group C was treated with probiotics and zinc combination, group D was treated with probiotics, group E - with zinc. All treatment groups received standard diet at the same time. Ileum sample was taken and subjected to histological preparations using hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate villi height and mucosal thickness, blood sample was taken for GLP-1 and ghrelin levels evaluation using ELISA methods. Results: Probiotics and zinc co-supplementation significantly increased villi height and zinc supplementation significantly increased mucosal thickness compared to malnourished rats. GLP-1 levels were significantly increased and ghrelin level was reduced with single or combined supplementation of probiotics and zinc. Conclusions: Low-calorie feed administered within 14 days successfully changed the profiles of small intestinal histology in rats. Either single or combined administration of probiotics and zinc develop the histological features of ileum and appetite in the malnou- rished rats.