Effects of carnosine combined with Lactobacillus on the antioxidant capacity of liver and kidney in normal or stressed mice

Abstract

Massive secretion of glucocorticoids or excessive use of dexamethasone (Dex) can cause oxidative stress and negatively affect the health status of animals. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of Lactobacillus (LAB) or/and carnosine (CAR) can effectively improve the antioxidant capacity of the liver and kidneys of normal or dexamethasone-induced stress mice and its potential mechanisms. 48 ICR mice were randomly divided into eight groups: Control, LAB, CAR, LAB + CAR, Dex, Dex + LAB, Dex + CAR, and Dex + LAB + CAR. The results indicated that carnosine and Lactobacillus rhamnosus had a complementary effect on antioxidant stress. The combination of the two could better improve the increased serum ALT activity and CRE content, increased liver index, decreased kidney index, and changes in liver and kidney tissue morphology induced by dexamethasone in mice. Part of the involved mechanisms were: Carnosine combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus promoted the expressions of downstream antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2, GSH-Px1, and HO-1 by increasing Nrf2 expression in liver and kidney tissues. It also increased the contents of activated antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and HO-1, thereby reducing ROS and MDA levels and alleviating liver and kidney oxidative damage caused by dexamethasone.