The impact of probiotic fortified juices on hepatic function and renal performance in E. coli infected laboratory rats

Abstract

The current investigation aimed to develop a functional beverage utilizing a blend of orange and pomegranate juices enriched with therapeutic strains of Lb. acidophilus, Lb. plantarum, and Lb. rhamanouse. The study's primary objective was to assess the impact of this probiotic-fortified beverage on the health status of male laboratory rats subjected to E. coli bacterial infection, specifically focusing on its influence on hepatic enzyme activities and renal function. Thirty-three male Albino Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for the experiment and were randomly assigned to eleven groups, each with three replicates, to ensure robust statistical analysis. The experiment spanned a duration of 28 days. The findings of this study demonstrated a significant elevation (P>0.05) in the concentrations of liver enzymes, including ALT, AST, and ALP, in the group of rats infected with the aforementioned bacteria when compared to the control group. However, noteworthy was the substantial reduction in the levels of these enzymes following oral administration of functional fruit juices in the infected rats. Regarding kidney function parameters, a notable increase in urea and creatinine concentrations was observed in the group of rats afflicted with diarrhea compared to the healthy control group. Nevertheless, the administration of oral doses of functional juices yielded a marked reduction in urea and creatinine concentrations across all treatment groups. These results underscore the potential efficacy of functional fruit juices in mitigating liver enzyme elevation and ameliorating kidney function abnormalities induced by bacterial infection and diarrhea.