Lactobacillus rhamnosus FSJ13 alleviates pancreatic fibrosis in mice via fibroblast growth factor 21

Abstract

Abstract: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disease characterized by pancreatic fibrosis, with no current cure. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) has shown potential in treating fibrotic diseases. However, its role in CP remains unexplored. This study demonstrated that CP mice exhibited gut dysbiosis, with a significant reduction in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, including Roseburia, Lachnoclostridium, and Eubacterium. Supplementation with L. rhamnosus FSJ13 increased the abundance of these bacteria and elevated serum and fecal butyrate levels, along with significant upregulation of pancreatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels. Notably, the beneficial effects of L. rhamnosus FSJ13 were abrogated in CP mice treated with an FGF21 receptor inhibitor. These findings suggest that L. rhamnosus FSJ13 reduces pancreatic fibrosis via FGF21, providing evidence for its use in alleviating CP fibrosis.