Lactobacillus murinus ZNL-13 Modulates Intestinal Barrier Damage and Gut Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a widely used anticancer drug in clinical practice; however, its administration can lead to gastrointestinal damage and immune suppression. Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) has been shown to regulate immune cell activity and protect the gastrointestinal system, showing potential application as a functional food. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L. murinus ZNL-13 on CTX-induced intestinal mucosal injury and gut microbiota in mice. The results demonstrated that L. murinus ZNL-13 significantly alleviated weight loss and intestinal pathological damage. Moreover, in CTX-induced intestinal injury mice, L. murinus ZNL-13 enhanced the release of immune factors, suppressed cell apoptosis, and protected the intestinal mucosal barrier. Additionally, it activated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thereby promoting immune cell activity. Furthermore, L. murinus ZNL-13 contributed to the restoration of gut microbial homeostasis by increasing the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Taken together, this investigation highlights the potential of L. murinus ZNL-13 in protecting the intestinal barrier and enhancing immune function while laying the groundwork for its development as a novel probiotic and functional food.