Lactobacillus plantarum for Improving the Symptoms of Type-2 Diabetic Neuropathy

This study investigated the beneficial effects and mechanisms of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on neuro­pathy in type-2 diabetic mice. Twenty db/db mice were randomly assigned to either a control group (group C) or a treated group (group LP). Weekly blood glucose levels were measured using a glucose meter. Neuropathy was assessed through thermal sensation, Von Frey responses and sensory nerve conduction velocity. Tight junction protein expression in colorectal tissues was analysed via immunofluorescence. ELISA measured serum inflammatory factors, while faecal samples at the intervention’s end assessed gut microbiota changes. Western blot analysed the JAK-STAT signalling pathway in mouse brain tissue. Group LP showed significantly lower blood glucose levels and improved thermal nociceptive sensitivity in db/db mice compared to group C. Additionally, LP intervention increased the expression of the intestinal tight junction protein occludin and enhanced intestinal flora diversity, including higher levels of probiotics like Akkermansia muciniphila. In group LP, serum levels of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased significantly, while pro-inflammatory factors TNF-a, IL-6, IL-17A and LPS decreased. Additionally, the JAK-STAT signalling pathway was notably inhibited in the brain tissue of these mice. LP may potentially alleviate neuropathy in type-2 diabetic mice by modulating the immune system, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and balancing the gut microbiome.