Probiotic DSF counteracts chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain

Abstract

Problem statement: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a widespread and potentially disabling side effect of various anticancer drugs. In spite of the intensive research focused on obtaining therapies capable to treat or prevent CIPN, the medical demand remains very high. Microtubule-stabilizing agents, among which taxanes, are effective chemotherapeutic agents for the therapy of several oncologic diseases. The inflammatory process activated by chemotherapeutic agents has been interpreted as a potential trigger of the nociceptive process in CIPN. The chemotherapy-driven release of proinflammatory and chemokines has been recognized as one of the principal mechanisms controlling the establishment of CIPN. Several reports have indicated that probiotics are capable to regulate the balance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Accordingly, it has been suggested that some probiotic formulations, may have an effective role in the management of inflammatory pain symptoms. Experimental approaches used: we tested the hypothesis that paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain can be counteracted by the probiotic DSF by using an in vitro model of sensitive neuron, the F11 cells. On this model, the biomolecular pathways involved in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy depending on inflammatory cytokines were investigated by Real-time PCR, Western blotting and confocal microscopy. General conclusions: the results obtained, i.e. the increase of acetylated tubulin, the increase of the active forms of proteins involved in the establishment of neuropathic pain, point towards the use of this probiotic formulation as a possible adjuvant agent for counteracting CINP symptoms.

Neuroprotective activities of bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12 combination on oxidative stress‐dependent neuronal death

“…Recently, emerging evidence indicated that dietary antioxidants, in particular polyphenols, may exert beneficial effects on the brain, protecting neurons against oxidative stress-induced injury, reducing cardiovascular risk factor, control and suppressing neuroinflammation. 22 The regular inclusion of antioxidants in the diet is really important to maintain the brain health, but it could be difficult especially in elderly. To this purpose, antioxidants dietary supplement may represent an effective strategy to counteract cognitive age-related decline.…”

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Neurological Disorders

“…The effect could be reversed by gut microbiota restoration and this suggests an influence of the gut microbiota on neuropathic pain (Shen et al, 2017). Another study demonstrated a positive effect of probiotics in vitro on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain features (Castelli et al, 2018). However, when probiotics L. reuteri LR06 or Bifidobacterium BL5b were administered to rats with chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain, no effect on pain sensation was observed .…”

A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model

“…For example, the De Simone Formulation probiotic (i.e., Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. paracasei, L. delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus) alleviated chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in an in vitro model, but has not been tested yet in vivo [12]. A recent study attempted to use probiotics (i.e., Lactobacillus reuteri lr06 or Bifidobacterium bl5b) to alleviate SNI (spared-nerve injury; a traumatic peripheral nerve injury)-induced neuropathic pain, but failed [42].…”