The Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Mechanical Properties of Long Bones and Body Composition in Immunodeficient Mice ()
Affiliation(s)
1Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
2Engineering Research Institute, School of Engineering, Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK.
3Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University, Belfast, UK.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess whether a daily supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
(LGG) can alter the body composition as well as bone turnover and the mechanical properties of
the bones in systemic immunodeficiency. For this, we use an in vivo model of severe combined
immunodeficient (scid) mice supplemented daily with LGG over 8 weeks period. After 8 weeks of
the treatment, the animals were assessed by DEXA and then the blood was collected from the hepatic
portal vein for bone turnover biomarkers; post-mortem, the caecum was removed for isolation
and enumeration of the gut bacteria, while femurs/tibiae were excised for the assessment of
their mechanical properties. LGG treatment affected the composition of the gut microbiota at the
order level, and it decreased (P = 0.002) total adipose tissue content. Moreover, LGG treatment
decreased the stiffness (N/mm) of both femurs (P = 0.008) and tibiae (P = 0.011). To conclude, this
study shows that dietary supplementation with LGG in immunodeficient animals can alter mechanical
properties of the long bones and concomitantly it can modify host’s total adiposity level.
Share and Cite:
Naughton, V. , Dixon, D. , Rainey, L. , McGarrigle, C. and Naughton, P. (2016) The Effects of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Mechanical Properties of Long Bones and Body Composition in Immunodeficient Mice.
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
7, 173-179. doi:
10.4236/fns.2016.73019.