Protective Effect of Novel Lactobacillus plantarum KC3 Isolated from Fermented Kimchi on Gut and Respiratory Disorders

Abstract

Probiotics have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects in the gut by directly reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by secreting anti-inflammatory molecules. However, their systemic anti-inflammatory effects have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to develop probiotics that have efficacy in both intestinal and lung inflammation. Lactobacillus plantarum KC3 (KC3), which was isolated from kimchi, was selected as a pre-candidate based on its inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. To further validate the effectiveness of KC3, we used ear edema, DSS-induced colitis, and ambient particulate-matter-induced lung inflammation models. First, KC3 exhibited direct anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal cells with the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α production. Additionally, KC3 treatment alleviated ear edema and DSS-induced colic inflammation, improving colon length and increasing the number of regulatory T cells. Beyond its local intestinal anti-inflammatory activity, KC3 inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar fluid and prevented neutrophil infiltration in the lungs. These results suggest that KC3 could be a potential functional ingredient with respiratory protective effects against air-pollutant-derived inflammation, as well as for the treatment of local gut disorders.

Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from kimchi regulates inflammation by increasing interleukin‐10 secretion by antigen‐presenting cells, leading to diminishing of STAT5 phosphorylation in Th2 cells

“…Specifically, the effects of LAB on allergic diseases have been studied extensively (Duan et al, 2023;Monga et al, 2023). Our research team found that Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from kimchi influences atopic dermatitis and food allergies (Kim et al, 2021;Park et al, 2023). Although studies have shown that LAB increases Th1 response, induces regulatory T cells (Tregs), and inhibits Th2 and Th17 responses (Oh et al, 2023), the underlying mechanism of immune modulation by LAB at the molecular level remains elusive.…”

Comparison of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolates from the gut of mice supplemented with different types of nutrients: a genomic and metabolomic study

“…Among them, L. plantarum has gained significant attention in scientific research due to its stable probiotic properties, wide distribution and so on. For probiotic properties, L. plantarum LLY-606 has been reported to improve potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine-induced hyperuricemia in mice by regulating intestinal homeostasis and alleviating inflammation ( Shi et al, 2023 ); L. plantarum KC3 isolated from fermented kimchi has a respiratory protective effect against inflammation caused by air pollutants ( Park et al, 2023 ); Yogurt-derived L. plantarum Q16 played a positive role in alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet in mice ( Tang et al, 2022 ); In addition, L. plantarum JS19 could also improve the disorder of gut microbiota induced by DSS and reduce the manifestation of ulcerative colitis ( Ren et al, 2023 ).…”