Effect of some Strains of Probiotic Bacteria against Toxicity Induced by Aflatoxins in vivo

Aflatoxins are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic compounds produced by some species of Aspergillus, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. This study was conducted investigate the effect of some strains of probiotic bacteria against toxicity induced by contaminated diet with aflatoxins in male rats. Animals were divided into 6 equal groups each group contains 7 rats. The first group received a basal diet and served as negative control, the second group received basal diet supplemented with strain 1 of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum), the third group received basal diet supplemented with strain 2 of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus), the fourth group received basal diet supplemented with 1.34ppm aflatoxins contaminated peanut as positive control group. The other two groups received basal diet supplemented with 1.34ppm aflatoxins contaminated peanut plus strain 1and strain 2 probiotic bacteria for 6 weeks. Results revealed that positive control gave a very significant increased in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities, creatinine and urea; while decreased total protein (TP), albumin and globulin indicating the toxicity of aflatoxin on both liver and kidney functions. However probiotic strains supplemented to aflatoxins treated group revealed a significantly alleviated TP, albumin and globulin depletion in serum with an elevation of ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine and urea levels. Results also showed that the group received basal diet supplemented with strain 1 (Bifidobacterium bifidum) and with strain 2 (Lactobacillus acidophilus) showed significant beneficial health effects. It was noticed that the group received Lactobacillus acidophilus showed better results than Bifidobacterium bifidum. Results indicated also that the protective action of probiotic strains as a potential protective agent against aflatoxin toxicity as well as their beneficial health effects and may thereby offered an effective dietary approach to decrease the risk of occurrence of liver, kidney function and occurrence of cancer which may be due the ability of probiotic strains to bind with aflatoxins, reduced their uptake, and protected against both memberane and DNA damage. The study revealed also that probiotics can also provide benefits by modulating immune functions. [Abou-Baker Salim, Azza Zohair, Amany El-Saied Hegazy and Amal Said. Effect of some Strains of Probiotic Bacteria against Toxicity Induced by Aflatoxins in vivo. Journal of American Science 2011;7(1):772-783]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org. Key words, Mycotoxin, Aflatoxin, Peanut, Toxicity, Probiotic bacteria