Characterisation of potential anti-inflammatory next-generation probiotics resistant to bisphenol A

The world is witnessing an increasing incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of complex gastrointestinal disorders characterised by inflammation. It is believed that environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (i.e. bisphenol A [BPA]), are playing a role in IBD pathophysiology. New research suggests a potential treatment solution: next-generation probiotic (NGP) strains isolated from human gut microbiota that can biodegrade xenobiotics and thus possibly modulate IBD triggered by these xenobiotics. In this study, we hypothesised that specific BPA-tolerant bacteria would exhibit beneficial, anti-inflammatory properties that could counter the effects of BPA exposure and concomitantly reduce colitis severity. We observed that two such strains, Bacillus sp. AM1 and Paeniclostridium sp., exhibited potential anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. First, these bacteria were able to decrease the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 cytokines by HT-29 cells that had been exposed to the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Second, when treated with Bacillus sp. AM1 and Paeniclostridium sp. (this latter had a stronger reducing effect on inflammatory markers), mice with chemically induced colitis displayed lower levels of colon damage, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), lipocalin-2 (LCN-2), and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). Future research should clarify the underlying mechanisms at play and identify potential strategies for counteracting the systemic effects of IBD, including those exacerbated by BPA exposure. Our results suggest that one such strategy could be treatment with BPA-tolerant bacteria that possess anti-inflammatory properties.