Protective actions of oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in spontaneous osteoarthritis. - GreenMedInfo Summary

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a lyophilized inactivated culture (LIC) from Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in a spontaneous model of osteoarthritis (OA) in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs. Histology of cartilage and synovial membrane was the primary outcome. Biomarkers were also considered to evaluate the treatment efficacy.

DESIGN: LIC (1µg/kg) with or without vitamin C (1 mg/kg) were tested in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs spontaneously developing OA and compared with control (sterile water; CTL). Treatment was initiated orally in 16-week-old animals over a period of 12 weeks. Histological lesions of articular cartilage and synovialmembrane were scored according to the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) recommendations. Four biomarkers (Coll2-1, PIINAP, Fib3-2, and osteocalcin) were measured in animal sera.

RESULTS: The global OARSI score increased with time in all group but no significant difference between groups was observed. When score items were analyzed individually, a significant lower score of cartilage structure was observed in the LIC + vitamin C group compared with CTL ( P<0.0001). Synovial membrane showed a mild inflammatory reaction that was not affected by the treatment. LIC significantly decreased serum levels of Coll2-1 ( P = 0.0004 vs. CTL), a marker of type II collagen degradation and LIC + vitamin C significantly increased PIINAP ( P = 0.0003), a marker of type II collagen synthesis. The ratio Coll2-1/PIINAP was significantly decreased in both LIC groups ( P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Lyophilized inactivated culture of B. longum CBi0703 administrated orally over a period of 12 weeks decreased cartilage structure lesions and decreased type II collagen degradation suggesting a potential prophylactic effect on OA development.