Local Probiotic and Exhibit Strong Antifungal Effects Against Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in a Rat Model.

A comprehensive knowledge of the vaginal ecosystem is critical for the development of successful approaches to the treatment of infections. The role of in preventing vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is controversial. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanism of or on vaginitis caused by in a Sprague-Dawley rat model. A microbiological evaluation was performed by Gram staining and fungal colonies were enumerated. The antifungal efficacy of the two strains was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemical detection of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and epithelial-derived IgG (RP125). Our results showed that the inhibitory activity against colony-forming unit (CFU) counts was demonstrated by the two strains ( < 0.001). Our results indicated that administration played an indispensable role in maintaining the immune homeostasis, and decreasing the Th1/Th2 ratio (IFN-γ/IL-4) by regulating the epithelial secretion of cytokines that inhibit epithelial proinflammatory cytokine release, while increasing epithelial-derived IgG expression ( < 0.05), suggesting antibody-mediated protection. Our results implicate and as a potential adjunct biotherapeutic agent in women with VVC, especially for those with drug resistance, adverse effects or contraindications when using antifungal agents. Further large, long-term, well-planned clinical studies should be performed in clinical practice to determine their clinical potential of and as an adjunct treatment for VVC.