Lactiplantibacillus plantarum mitigates aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has been associated with neurological disorders. This study assesses the potential neuroprotective effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PQ104969 in alleviating AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats, with emphasis on the hippocampus. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 5/group): Group A received normal saline (control group), Groups B and C received 0.5 and 1.0 mL, respectively, of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; L. plantarum PQ104969; 1×108 CFU/mL), Group D received 200 mg/kg AlCl3 (neurotoxicity group), and Groups E and F received 200 mg/kg AlCl3 and treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mL LAB, respectively. The brain tissues of all groups were harvested after 21 days of treatment and analyzed for their malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), protein, nitrite, nitrate, and total protein concentration using standard biochemical methods. Tissue histology of the hippocampus was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. AlCl3 caused extensive neurodegeneration, which improved with LAB administration. Groups E and F showed significantly lower levels of MDA, MPO, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations compared to Group D, except for the nitrate level in Group F. The total protein concentrations were consistent across all groups. Histological examination showed that AlCl3 induced neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus, while LAB introduction following AlCl3 administration attenuated the observed pathological damages and preserved the neuronal architecture. These findings suggest that L. plantarum PQ104969 possesses negative dose-dependent neuroprotective effects against AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity, offering a promising therapeutic approach for inflammation-induced neurotoxicity.