Evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic VSL#3 and synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon‐based product in reducing oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in mice induced to colorectal carcinogenesis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic VSL#3 isolated or associated with a yacon‐based product (synbiotic) on oxidative stress modulation and intestinal permeability in an experimental model of colorectal carcinogenesis. Forty‐five C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control (standard diet AIN‐93 M); probiotic (standard diet AIN‐93 M and multispecies probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 10⁹ CFU), and synbiotic (standard diet AIN‐93 M with yacon‐based product, 6% fructooligosaccharides and inulin, and probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 10⁹ CFU). The experimental diets were provided for 13 weeks. The probiotic and the yacon‐based product showed antioxidant activity, with the percentage of DPPH radical scavenging equal to 69.7 ± 0.4% and 74.3 ± 0.1%, respectively. These findings contributed to reduce hepatic oxidative stress: the control group showed higher concentration of malondialdehyde (1.8‐fold, p = 0.007 and 1.5‐fold, p = 0.035) and carbonylated protein (2‐fold, p = 0.008 and 5.6‐fold, p = 0.000) compared to the probiotic and synbiotic groups, respectively. Catalase enzyme activity increased 1.43‐fold (p = 0.014) in synbiotic group. The crypt depth increased 1.2‐fold and 1.4‐fold with the use of probiotic and synbiotic, respectively, compared to the control diet (p = 0.000). These findings corroborate the reduction in intestinal permeability in the probiotic and synbiotic groups, as measured by the percentage of urinary lactulose excretion (CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × PRO: 0.44 ± 0.05%, p = 0.048; and CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × SYN: 0.41 ± 0.12%, p = 0.043). In conclusion, the probiotic and synbiotic showed antioxidant activity, which contributed to the reduction of oxidative stress markers. In addition, they protected the mucosa from damage caused by chemical carcinogen and reduced intestinal permeability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The relationship between intestinal health and the occurrence of various organic disorders has been demonstrated in many studies. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is currently one of the main targets for modulation of intestinal health. We demonstrated that the use of a commercial mix of probiotic bacteria (VSL#3) isolated or associated with a yacon‐based prebiotic, rich in fructooligosaccharides and inulin, is able to reduce the oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in a colorectal carcinogenesis model. These compounds have great potential to be used as a food supplement, or as ingredients in the development of food products.