Introduction
Non‑coeliac self-reported reactions to gluten or wheat, termed non coeliac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) are common in clinical practice (NCGS), with estimated prevalence of approximately 10% (1). Although its pathophysiology remains poorly understood, NCWS shares symptomatic and reported gut dysfunction manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease, including dysmotility and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Aims & Methods
Given the growing evidence supporting the role of probiotics in modulating gut homeostasis, we evaluated the effects of a probiotic combination in a mouse model of gluten sensitivity. Specific pathogen‑free adult NOD‑DQ8 mice were orally immunized with pepsin-trypsin digested gliadin and cholera toxin once weekly for three weeks. Mice then received either a daily oral probiotic mixture (2×10⁹ CFU; Bifidobacterium longum LA 101, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA 801, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FMP 2302; n=16) or vehicle (n=16) for three weeks. During the last two weeks of treatment, mice were challenged orally with gluten (10 mg) every other day, mimicking gluten exposure. A separate group served as negative controls and underwent the same procedures without gliadin immunization or gluten challenge. Outcomes included gastrointestinal (GI) transit (measured by imaging of metallic beads and barium), small intestinal villus‑to‑crypt (V/C) ratio, and CD3⁺ intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) counts. Ongoing analyses include intestinal inflammatory gene expression and serum permeability markers, such as LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and LBP (LPS binding protein) and citrulline.
Results
Gluten‑sensitized mice exhibited delayed GI transit (p<0.0047), reduced V/C ratios (p<0.0001), and increased CD3⁺ IEL infiltration (p<0.0001) compared with non‑sensitized controls, indicating dysmotility and low-grade inflammation in the small intestine. The probiotic combination improved GI transit, increased V/C ratios (p<0.0001), and markedly reduced CD3⁺ IEL counts (p<0.0001), indicating an amelioration of gluten‑induced intestinal alterations.
Conclusion
A specific probiotic combination consisting of B. longum LA 101, L. rhamnosus LA 801, and L. plantarum FMP 2302 improved gut dysfunction and immunopathology in gliadin sensitized NOD‑DQ8 mice. Further investigation is underway to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, particularly those associated with barrier modulation and anti‑inflammatory activity.
References
Shiha MG, Manza F, Figueroa-Salcido OG, et al
Global prevalence of self-reported non-coeliac gluten and wheat sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Gut 2026;75:502-510.
Disclosure
Elsa JACOUTON and Sophie HOLOWACZ are employed by Pileje laboratory