Probiotic PS128 Reduces Gut Pain Sensitivity by Normalizing Substance P and CGRP in the Gut-Brain Axis
Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 reversed visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-like rats by normalizing substance P, CGRP, BDNF, and NGF levels across the gut-brain axis.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
PS128 reversed 5-HTP-induced visceral hypersensitivity and normalized substance P, CGRP, BDNF, and NGF distribution between dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.
Key Numbers
10^9 CFU/day x 14 days; reversed SP, CGRP, BDNF, NGF changes; lowered corticosterone
How They Did This
Rat IBS model (5-HTP-induced visceral hypersensitivity without inflammation); 14 days oral PS128 (10⁹ CFU/day); colorectal distension with EMG; neuropeptide and neurotrophin levels in DRG, spinal cord; serum corticosterone; amygdala receptor expression.
Why This Research Matters
IBS affects 10-15% of people globally with limited treatment options. A probiotic that modulates the gut-brain axis through neuropeptide pathways offers a mechanistically grounded approach.
The Bigger Picture
The gut-brain axis is central to IBS pathology. This study provides molecular evidence for how a specific probiotic strain modulates pain neuropeptides, moving beyond "probiotics are good for gut health" to mechanistic understanding.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Rat model — IBS in humans is more complex; 5-HTP model mimics only one aspect of IBS; 14 days may not reflect long-term effects; single probiotic strain tested.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would PS128 reduce visceral pain in human IBS clinical trials?
- ?Is the neuropeptide normalization a direct effect of PS128 or mediated through gut microbiome changes?
- ?Could PS128 be combined with other IBS treatments for enhanced benefit?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 14 days reversed VH Two weeks of daily PS128 probiotic completely reversed serotonin-induced visceral hypersensitivity
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate — well-designed animal study with comprehensive neuropeptide analysis, but rat IBS model may not fully represent human disease.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020; PS128 has been studied in clinical trials for other conditions since.
- Original Title:
- Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Ameliorated Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats Through the Gut-Brain Axis.
- Published In:
- Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins, 12(3), 980-993 (2020)
- Authors:
- Liu, Yen-Wenn, Wang, Yen-Po, Yen, Hsu-Fang, Liu, Pei-Yi, Tzeng, Wen-Jian, Tsai, Chia-Fen, Lin, Han-Chieh, Lee, Fa-Yauh, Jeng, One-Jang, Lu, Ching-Liang, Tsai, Ying-Chieh
- Database ID:
- RPEP-04962
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a probiotic reduce pain?
PS128 normalized the levels of pain-signaling molecules (substance P, CGRP) in the nerve pathways connecting the gut to the brain, essentially recalibrating the pain sensitivity system.
Would this probiotic help my IBS?
The rat data is promising and the strain is commercially available, but human IBS clinical trials with PS128 would be needed to confirm these effects in people.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-04962APA
Liu, Yen-Wenn; Wang, Yen-Po; Yen, Hsu-Fang; Liu, Pei-Yi; Tzeng, Wen-Jian; Tsai, Chia-Fen; Lin, Han-Chieh; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Jeng, One-Jang; Lu, Ching-Liang; Tsai, Ying-Chieh. (2020). Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Ameliorated Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats Through the Gut-Brain Axis.. Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins, 12(3), 980-993. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-019-09595-w
MLA
Liu, Yen-Wenn, et al. "Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Ameliorated Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats Through the Gut-Brain Axis.." Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-019-09595-w
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Ameliorated Visceral Hypersens..." RPEP-04962. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/liu-2020-lactobacillus-plantarum-ps128-ameliorated
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.