Abstract
Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used as an antineoplastic drug but unfortunately, it is cytotoxic, to the intestinal mucosa. Probiotics have beneficial effects on the intestinal mucosa. Aim of the work: The current study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of probiotics against the structural and biochemical changes that occur in the rat jejunum after CP administration, and to address some of the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Materials and methods: Thirty-six adult male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: the C-group, Prob-group, CP-2D group, CP-2w group, Prob-CP-2D group, Prob-CP 2W group. Blood samples were collected for serum IL-10 level assay. Jejunum specimens were excised for histological, immune-histochemical, and morphometric studies. Other tissue specimens were proceeded for estimation of MDA and GSH levels. Results: The results showed marked morphological and biochemical changes in CP-2D group that decreased in CP-2W and Prob-CP-2D groups but still with a significant difference if compared to the control group. Moreover, the Prob-CP-2W group displayed a marked improvement of all previously mentioned data. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the administration of probiotics ameliorated the toxic effect of CP on jejunum through their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects.