Inflammation-hemostasis relationship in infected malnourished mice: modulatory effect of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The coagulation system is considered part of the defense machinery, but its excessive activation can lead to additional damage. We studied the effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431--a probiotic bacterium--on the activation of coagulation and the relationship with inflammatory parameters during a respiratory infection in malnourished mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Malnourished Swiss albino mice were nourished with a balanced commercial diet (BCD) for 7 days or BCD with L. casei for the last 2 days (BCD + Lc). BCD, BCD + Lc, malnourished (MNC) and well-nourished controls (WNC) were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were obtained at different times post-infection.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition altered most of the evaluated parameters before and after infection. The repletion diet with supplemental L. casei was the most effective in limiting coagulation activation and normalizing coagulation inhibition mechanisms. These findings will help develop further strategies to reduce the damaging effects of clotting and enhance its beneficial contribution to immune reactions.