The Application of Lactobacillus Plantarum in the Amelioration of Lead and Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Animal Model

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure, poses significant health risks to both humans and animals. This study investigates the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum as a probiotic intervention for mitigating Pb- and Cd-induced toxicity in experimental rats. The isolates were characterized based on cultural, morphological, biochemical, and molecular properties, confirming their identity as L. plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus musae. Among these, L. plantarum exhibited strong probiotic potential, demonstrating acid and bile salt tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and the ability to sequester heavy metals. The findings revealed that heavy metal exposure resulted in significant physiological stress, as indicated by weight loss, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota disruption. The heavy metal-treated groups exhibited elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-Alpha, while probiotic intervention led to a significant reduction in these markers and an increase in IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Furthermore, L. plantarum supplementation enhanced fecal excretion of Pb and Cd, reduced oxidative stress, and restored gut microbial balance, suggesting its role as a natural detoxifying agent. The probiotic-treated groups also showed higher lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations and a lower coliform count, indicating gut microbiota restoration and protection against pathogenic bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, the isolates demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, reinforcing their probiotic efficacy. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed intrinsic resistance to vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, while susceptibility to chloramphenicol, azithromycin, and rifampicin ensured safety for probiotic applications. These findings support the potential use of L. plantarum as a probiotic-based strategy for mitigating heavy metal toxicity. Future studies should focus on optimizing probiotic dosage, evaluating long-term effects, and exploring synergistic detoxification approaches to enhance protective outcomes against heavy metal exposure.