Application of Probiotics in Exercise and Thrombosis Inhibition

Modulation of Fatigue and Oxidative Stress by Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 in a Murine Model of Exercise-Induced Exhaustion

Ruokun Yi, Min Feng, Qiuping Chen, Xingyao Long, Kun-Young Park, Xin Zhao — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sichuan pickle, a traditional Chinese fermented food, harbours a diverse microbial community. Microorganisms represent a promising source for the development of novel and potent therapeutic agents against human diseases. Herein, we investigated the anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 (LP-CQPC02), a strain isolated from Sichuan pickle, in a mouse model of exercise-induced exhaustion. ICR mice were orally administered LP-CQPC02 for four weeks. A fatigue model was established using a forced swim test. Subsequently, hepatic glycogen, skeletal muscle glycogen, lactic acid (LA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were measured via physicochemical methods. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using commercial assay kits. Histopathological alterations in liver tissue were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and mRNA expression changes in the liver and skeletal muscle were analysed via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The results demonstrated that both vitamin C (positive control) and LP-CQPC02 significantly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of mice, with a positive correlation observed between the LP-CQPC02 dose and the exhaustion time. LP-CQPC02 administration increased liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, and FFA levels in a dose-dependent manner, while concurrently reducing LA and BUN concentrations. Serum activities of CK, AST, and ALT were gradually decreased with increasing doses of LP-CQPC02. Furthermore, LP-CQPC02 treatment elevated SOD and CAT activities and reduced MDA content dose-dependently. At the molecular level, LP-CQPC02 upregulated the mRNA expression of copper/zinc-SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD), and CAT in the liver tissue of exhausted mice. In skeletal muscle, LP-CQPC02 enhanced the expression of the alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter 1 (ASCT1) and suppressed the expression of syncytin-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

In summary, LP-CQPC02 exhibits pronounced anti-fatigue and antioxidant activities, suggesting its potential as a microbial-derived therapeutic agent. The novelty of this work lies in the first systematic demonstration that a specific Lactobacillus plantarum strain from traditional Sichuan pickle alleviates exercise-induced fatigue through multi-pathway synergism. The innovation extends beyond exploring the therapeutic value of traditional food-borne microbes to elucidating the comprehensive molecular mechanisms underlying their effects in vivo. These mechanisms encompass the regulation of energy metabolism (e.g., enhancing glycogen storage), mitigation of oxidative stress (e.g., boosting antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation), and modulation of key genes related to antioxidant defence and inflammation in hepatic and muscular tissues (e.g., Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, ASCT1, iNOS, TNF-α). The implications of this research are twofold. Firstly, it provides robust experimental evidence supporting the development of LP-CQPC02 as a novel probiotic-based anti-fatigue agent, facilitating the translational application of functional foods or microecological therapeutics. Secondly, it identifies promising directions for future research, including the clarification of its active components, precise molecular targets, and potential gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms, as well as the exploration of its clinical applicability for chronic fatigue and related metabolic disorders.

Antifatigue and Antioxidant Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum HFY03 from Yak Yoghurt in a Mouse Model of Exercise-Induced Exhaustion

Junxiao Zhang, Ling Chen, Lingyan Zhang, Qiuping Chen, Fang Tan, Xin Zhao — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Yak yoghurt, a traditional, naturally fermented dairy product, is primarily produced in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It harbours a rich diversity of microorganisms, including Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) HFY03, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from this source. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of LF-HFY03 on anti-fatigue and antioxidant capacities in a mouse model of exercise-induced exhaustion. Mice were administered varying doses of LF-HFY03 via oral gavage for a duration of four weeks, with vitamin C serving as the positive control. This design allowed for the evaluation of the relationship between LF-HFY03 supplementation and the enhancement of antioxidant and anti-fatigue parameters in exhausted mice. The results demonstrated that both LF-HFY03 and vitamin C significantly prolonged the forced running time to exhaustion in mice. Notably, the high-dose LF-HFY03 group exhibited an effect more than threefold greater than that of the control group. A positive correlation was observed between the concentration of LF-HFY03 and the extension of exhaustion time. Furthermore, LF-HFY03 administration effectively reduced serum levels of urea nitrogen and lactic acid, while increasing concentrations of free fatty acids and hepatic glycogen. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were gradually decreased in response to LF-HFY03 supplementation. In terms of oxidative stress markers, LF-HFY03 dose-dependently reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and elevated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). At the molecular level, LF-HFY03 upregulated the mRNA expression of CAT, copper/zinc-SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), and manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD) in mouse liver tissue. Concurrently, in skeletal muscle, it enhanced the expression of the alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter 1 (ASCT1) protein and the mRNAs of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), while downregulating the expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), syncytin-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In conclusion, these findings indicate that LF-HFY03 possesses significant anti-fatigue and antioxidant properties, highlighting its considerable potential for development and application as a probiotic-based nutritional supplement aimed at alleviating physical fatigue.

Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 Modulates Gut Microbiota and Enhances Athletic Performance

Xiaoguang Yang, Yeni Wang, Yuhua Yang — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pediococcus pentosaceus is a Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) commonly found in fermented foods and used as a probiotic. P. pentosaceus can modulate oxidative stress levels. Nevertheless, the impact of P. pentosaceus on physical performance has not been exhaustively examined. Therefore, this study employed treadmill training to simulate human exercise conditions and induce exercise-associated fatigue in mice, aiming to investigate the potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 in mitigating such fatigue through the regulation of oxidative stress, as well as its effects on exercise capacity and gut microbiota in mice. Exercise performance was assessed using an exhaustive running test, while histopathological examination of tissue sections, quantification of serum biochemical markers, and evaluation of relevant gene mRNA expression levels were conducted to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Administration of YF01 significantly extended the time to exhaustion in mice. It elevated serum levels of oxidative stress-related markers, including total antioxidant capacity (T‑AOC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), along with glucose (GLU) and lactic acid (LA). Concurrently, YF01 reduced serum levels of liver-related enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as exercise-induced metabolites lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (CRE). At the molecular level, YF01 upregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc I, SIRT1, and PGC in muscle tissue, and increased the expression of SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in both liver and muscle tissues. In contrast, it downregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc IIa, MyHc IIb, and MyHc IIx in muscle. Furthermore, YF01 supplementation increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae in the gut microbiota of mice. In conclusion, P. pentosaceus YF01 appears to enhance exercise capacity in mice by modulating oxidative stress pathways. These findings provide novel insights for the development of strategies in sports science and the promotion of human health.

Enhancing Effects of Lactobacillus brevis CQPC12 on Antibiotic-Induced Motor Dysfunction in Mice

Jiyou Wu, Xiaoguang Yang, Yuhua Yang — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lactobacillus brevis is a heterofermentative gram-positive organism that can be isolated from milk, cheese, sauerkraut, sourdough, silage, and the mouth and intestinal tract of humans. Lactobacillus brevis CQPC12, a lactic acid bacterial strain with strong in vitro resistance and potential for gut colonisation. This study evaluated the neuroprotective and performance-enhancing effects of Lactobacillus brevis CQPC12 (LBCQPC12), focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a murine model of systemic perturbation. A state of systemic dysbiosis and inflammation was induced in mice via intraperitoneal injection of a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (containing neomycin, vancomycin, amphotericin B, ampicillin, and metronidazole) combined with lipopolysaccharide. Following intervention with LBCQPC12, comprehensive assessments were conducted. Functional performance was evaluated through endurance running and weight-loaded swimming tests. Histopathological analysis of brain tissue was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Systemic and cerebral oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were quantified, and gene expression profiles related to neurotrophic signalling, inflammation, and vascular metabolism in the brain and skeletal muscle were analysed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results demonstrated that LBCQPC12 treatment significantly improved physical endurance, as indicated by prolonged running and swimming durations. It also effectively mitigated systemic and cerebral oxidative stress by elevating levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione (GSH), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA). Concurrently, LBCQPC12 exerted anti-inflammatory effects, lowering serum and brain concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), while elevating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and reducing the liver index. At the molecular level, LBCQPC12 upregulated key genes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling pathway, including protein kinase B 1 (AKT1), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), BDNF itself, and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 (ERK1). In skeletal muscle, it enhanced the expression of metabolic and angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), GLUT-4, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). In conclusion, Lactobacillus brevis CQPC12 demonstrates substantial potential in counteracting antibiotic-induced central nervous system oxidative inflammation and skeletal muscle impairment, thereby preserving motor function. These findings position LBCQPC12 as a promising candidate for the development of next-generation functional probiotic formulations aimed at supporting neuromotor health.

Evaluating the Inhibitory Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KSFY07 on Thrombosis

Pan Wang, Fang Tan, Jianfei Mu, Hongjiang Chen, Xin Zhao, Yanan Xu — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Thrombosis is a great threat to human health that has attracted increasing attention. Inflammation induces thrombosis, which further exacerbates inflammatory development, thus representing a vicious cycle called a thrombotic inflammatory response. This study established a murine thrombosis model using κ-carrageenan to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KSFY07 (LDSB-KSFY07) on thrombus formation and oxidative stress. Serum and liver tissue parameters, as well as intestinal microbiota composition, were assessed through biochemical assays, histopathological observation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and faecal microbial analysis. The results demonstrated that LDSB-KSFY07 significantly alleviated tail blackening in thrombotic mice, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and shortened thrombin time (TT), while reducing levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and prothrombin time (PT). Furthermore, LDSB-KSFY07 decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in both serum and liver tissues of thrombotic mice. Histopathological examination revealed that LDSB-KSFY07 ameliorated liver tissue injury and reduced tail vein thrombus formation. At the molecular level, LDSB-KSFY07 up-regulated the mRNA expression of copper/zinc‑SOD (Cu/Zn‑SOD), manganese‑SOD (Mn‑SOD), and GSH‑Px in liver tissues. In contrast, it down-regulated the expression of NF‑κB p65, intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 (ICAM‑1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‑1 (VCAM‑1), and E-selectin in tail vein vascular tissues. Additionally, LDSB-KSFY07 increased plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression and decreased tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) expression in cardiac and tail vein tissues. Faecal microbial analysis indicated that LDSB-KSFY07 modulated the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium, while reducing the proportion of Firmicutes. In summary, LDSB-KSFY07 exhibited notable antithrombotic and antioxidant effects in this model, with higher concentrations showing efficacy comparable to that of heparin. These findings suggest its potential as a probiotic candidate for mitigating thrombosis and associated oxidative damage.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY05 on Regulating NF-κ B Pathway Related Inflammatory Response and Inhibiting Thrombosis

Shi Zeng, Ruokun Yi, Fang Tan, Peng Sun, Qiang Cheng, Xin Zhao — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases continue to threaten the lives of humans, especially those of middle-aged adults and the elderly. Thrombosis is the main cause of death due to cardiovascular diseases, which includes chronic thrombosis and results in cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, tissue softening, and necrosis. This study investigated the anti-thrombotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum KFY05 (LP-KFY05) and its underlying mechanism via the NF-κB pathway in a murine carrageenan-induced thrombosis model. Biochemical assays, microscopic examination, qPCR, and western blotting were employed to analyse serum and tissue parameters, while faecal microbial abundance was assessed to determine changes in gut microbiota composition. Results demonstrated that LP-KFY05 significantly reduced tail blackening in thrombotic mice (n=10 per group), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and decreased thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB) level, and prothrombin time (PT). Furthermore, LP-KFY05 treatment lowered serum and renal tissue concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Histopathological analysis via hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that LP-KFY05 alleviated renal tissue injury and tail vein thrombosis. qPCR results indicated that LP-KFY05 downregulated mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, IL-6, TNF-α, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in renal tissues, as well as NF-κB p65, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in tail vein vascular tissues. Western blot analysis confirmed the downregulation of NF-κB protein expression in both renal and tail vein tissues. Additionally, LP-KFY05 increased the abundances of Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium, while reducing the abundance of Firmicutes. In conclusion, LP-KFY05 effectively mitigates inflammation and inhibits thrombosis in mice, with high-dose LP-KFY05 exhibiting the most pronounced effects, comparable to those of the positive control drug dipyridamole. However, this study was conducted in a murine model, and further clinical investigations are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of LP-KFY05 in humans.