Protective Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum on Lead-induced Hematological and Body Weight Alterations in Rats

Background: Lead is known to be a highly toxic heavy metal which has a wide range of effect on human health. It has been proven that probiotics are able to bind heavy metals and remove them from the environment. In this study, the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) and its cytoplasmic extract were investigated on the hematological and body weight parameters in lead exposed rats. Methods: Forty eight rats were divided into 6 groups of eight as follows: Group 1: controls; Group 2: treated with lead acetate; Group 3: treated with L. fermentum; Group 4: treated with lead acetate and intact L. fermentum bacteria; Group 5: treated with the extracts of L. fermentum; Group 6: treated with lead acetate and the extract. At the completion of the experiments, rats’ blood samples were collected and analyzed for the hematological parameters. The lead concentrations were measured in the fecal pellets. Results:  The results demonstrated significant differences among the hematological parameters in groups 2 and 6, compared with those in the controls. However, no significant differences were detected for the parameters in groups 3, 4 and 5.  The lead concentrations in the fecal pellets of group 4 animals showed a significant increase compared to those recorded for the groups that were exposed to lead acetate. Conclusion: The findings suggest that L. fermentum may inhibit or minimize the harmful effects of lead on rat’s hematological parameters by binding to the heavy metal and removing it from the body.