Mitigating nickel-induced toxicity: the protective role of native probiotic strains on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in mice lung tissues.

BACKGROUND: Nickel exposure is a recognized environmental and occupational hazard that contributes to pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially leading to chronic respiratory conditions. Probiotics, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offer a promising strategy to combat oxidative stress caused by nickel exposure. This research will investigate how native probiotics can reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative damage in lung tissues, improving strategies for lung protection against heavy metal toxicity. METHODS: In this study, male NMRI mice were subjected to Nickel exposure to induce oxidative stress and inflammation for a duration of 60 days, after which they received probiotic treatment with a concentration of 1.6 * 109 CFU/ml. To assess the impact of these interventions on the antioxidant system and inflammatory responses, Real-Time PCR analysis was performed to evaluate the gene expression profiles in the lung tissue of the mice. RESULTS: The study revealed that native probiotic strains significantly upregulated antioxidant gene expression while concurrently enhancing genes linked to the inflammatory signaling pathway. Although Nickel exposure diminished the expression of these genes, the administration of probiotics after Nickel exposure led to a marked increase in their expression levels. CONCLUSION: This research highlights the harmful impact of Nickel, a heavy metal, on lung health, while simultaneously examining the beneficial properties of probiotics, particularly their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Given the significant risk associated with heavy metal exposure, the incorporation of probiotics emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate oxidative stress and prevent a range of pulmonary disorders, including those linked to inflammation.