RT Journal Article
T1 Behavioral, antioxidant, and kynurenine pathway modulation of a specific strain of Ligilactobacillus salivarius in a preclinical model of depression
A1 Martín Hernández, David
A1 Caso Fernández, Javier Rubén
A1 Díaz García, César
A1 Regidor, Pedro-Antonio
A1 Rizo, José Miguel
A1 Román, Marta
A1 Gutiérrez, Rocío
A1 Leza Cerro, Juan Carlos
AB PurposeCurrent antidepressants targeting neurotransmitters often fail to alleviate symptoms. Alternative hypotheses suggest inflammation may trigger an alternative route that converts tryptophan into kynurenine, reducing the bioavailability of tryptophan to synthesize serotonin while producing neuroactive metabolites such as quinolinic acid (QUINA, excitotoxic) and kynurenic acid (KYNA, neuroprotective). This study evaluates the effects on these systems of a specific strain of Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius), identified in the Spanish Type Culture Collection as CECT 30632, in a preclinical model depression.MethodsMale Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into control (CT) and chronic mild stress (CMS) groups, treated with either vehicle or L. salivarius CECT 30632 for four weeks, starting one week before CMS exposure. Behavioral assessments, including the splash test (ST) and open field test (OF), were conducted. Biochemical analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), plasma, and frontal cortex (FC) samples assessed antioxidant markers phospho-nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (p-Nrf2) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), as well as tryptophan metabolites.ResultsIn the ST, L. salivarius CECT 30,632 reduced latency to groom, indicating improved anhedonia and self-care, while no changes were observed in the OF test. CMS reduced p-Nrf2 and GPx1 expression in PBMCs, which was restored by L. salivarius CECT 30,632. This bacterium also reduced the QUINA/KYNA ratio in plasma and FC, suggesting a lower excitotoxicity risk.ConclusionLigilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 improved behavioral outcomes, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and modulated tryptophan metabolism in a rat model of CMS. These findings support its potential as a probiotic intervention for depression.
PB Springer Nature
YR 2026
FD 2026-03-09
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/133901
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/133901
LA eng
NO Martín-Hernández D, Caso JR, Díaz-García C, Regidor P-A, Rizo JM, Román M, et al. Behavioral, antioxidant, and kynurenine pathway modulation of a specific strain of Ligilactobacillus salivarius in a preclinical model of depression. Eur J Nutr 2026;65:86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-026-03941-9
NO The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Docta Complutense at https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/118406.
NO Univesidad Complutense de Madrid
NO Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Salud Mental
DS Docta Complutense
RD 12 mar 2026