Short-term oral administration of a product derived from a probiotic, Clostridium butyricum induced no pathological effects in rats

Recent studies have suggested that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) exert a therapeutic effect on some human and experimental animal diseases. In a previous study, we showed that Clostridium butyricum produces high levels of SCFAs in the culture system used. In addition, an additive based on yogurt was effective in eliminating and masking the odor derived from SCFAs in the product. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects for oral administration of the product, which was derived from Clostridium butyricum and contains a high level of SCFAs, in rats. Male and female Wistar Hannover GALAS rats, 5 weeks old, were allowed a mixture of the standard diet plus the product derived from Clostridium butyricum (50% w/w) with 0.1% additive for 17 days (n=6). The control rats were also allowed a standard diet plus tap water (50% w/w) with 0.1% additive (n=6). After 17 days, a laparotomy was performed. A hemocyte count, and biochemical and electrolyte analyses were subsequently carried out. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum and large intestine were investigated macroscopically and microscopically. Results showed that the rats grew normally for the duration of the experimental period. In particular, the body weights of the product-fed male rats were significantly increased as compared to those of the control-fed male rats. There were no significant differences in the organic weight between the product-fed and control-fed rats, except for a significantly increased weight of the small intestine in the product-fed female rats. No pathological abnormalities were found in the hemocyte count, the biochemical and electrolyte analyses, or the macroscopic and microscopic findings. It is possible that this novel product with the additive exerts therapeutic effects on some gastrointestinal disorders.