Hormetic effect of benzo(α)pyrene and latilactobacillus plantarum CCFM726 against benzo(α)pyrene toxicity

Benzo(α) pyrene (B [α] P) is a harmful air pollutant that poses a notable risk to human health. Based on the hormetic effect of B [α] P found in this study, the alleviating effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM726 on chronic exposure to B [α] P was further examined. After 7 d of acute exposure, B [α] P caused a hyperactive effect at low dose, including stimulation of an immune response, whereas exposure to high doses of B [α] P adversely affected the health of mice. Lt. plantarum CCFM726 proved to be an effective and simple intervention for mitigating chronic B [α] P exposure-induced toxicity. Specifically, Lt. plantarum CCFM726 significantly ameliorated behavioral impairments induced by B [α] P and effectively mitigated abnormalities of serum biochemical markers and brain oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis of colonic sections, together with assessments of tight junction proteins and CYP1A1 mRNA expression, revealed that Lt. plantarum CCFM726 significantly reduced inflammation-induced damage to the colon. Furthermore, Lt. plantarum CCFM726 significantly decreased the pro-inflammatory bacterium Turicibacter, while enhancing gut microbiota associated with intestinal mucosa health, such as Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae. This contributed to maintaining intestinal equilibrium and fostering gut health.