Synbiotics reduce airway inflammation and improve airway function in a mouse model for COPD

Background: Good gut health plays an important role in maintaining immunity in and beyond the gastro-intestinal tract. Respiratory disorders can be influenced by gut microbiota. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem worldwide. The disease is characterized by a progressive airflow limitation caused by an abnormal inflammatory response. Aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of specific dietary fibers and lactic acid producing bacteria in a mouse model for COPD. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were instilled intra nasally (i.n.) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5μg/mouse) 3x per week for 16 days. Mice were treated 5x per week by intra-gastric supplementation with: 1) Prebiotic fiber mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS), 2) Probiotic Bifidobacterium or 3) Synbiotic combination of GOS/FOS and Bifidobacterium. Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples were analyzed for airway inflammation. Airway function was measured by plethysmography in anesthetized mechanically ventilated mice. Results: LPS treatment significantly induced inflammatory cell influx in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Treatment with either GOS/FOS or GOS/FOS combined with Bifidobacterium was able to reduce the influx of macrophages and neutrophils into BAL fluid. Only treatment with synbiotics was able to attenuate the LPS induced reduction in airway function. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a combination of Bifidobacterium and GOSFOS might be beneficial as nutritional intervention in patients suffering from COPD.