Phenotypic effects of probiotics on Xenopus laevis development

Abstract

Probiotics supplementation, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, has become increasingly popular as a means to naturally treat minor ailments and attain overall better health.  This research sought to determine whether probiotics L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria as well as a combination (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) had an impact on the development of Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) embryos.  We used several control and experimental groups per probiotic species.  For experimental groups, each probiotic species (or combination) was isolated and dissolved in dechlorinated distilled water to create a 0.0025% and 0.025% solution.  Embryos were measured/observed to determine presence of abnormalities; collect intraocular, gut, and head measurements; and examine behavior.  After organogenesis, we euthanized embryos to examine the presence of specific species of bacteria using EnteroPluri tubes.  All groups showed similar mortality, morphology, and activity (P > 0.05), except for those treated with Bifidobacteria (P ? 0.05), and in all instances, activity and stage of development were positively correlated (r = 0.38 to 0.69).  Gut bacterial composition was similar between Bifidobacteria and control groups, but gut compositions were different among L. acidophilus and combination (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) groups.  All data combine to indicate that Bifidobacteria should be limited or avoided as it contributes to smaller overall embryo size and higher activity levels, while L. acidophilus consumed at a 0.0025% concentration (recommended dosage) is the best option as a probiotic supplement as it provides the benefits associated with this probiotic without adversely impacting the embryo.  We suggest additional research to examine the positive influence of L. acidophilus, as these data suggest its usefulness as a probiotic.