Investigating the effects of probiotic and postbiotic mixture (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus heloticus) on kidney tissue and testis infected with Escherichia coli bacteria in male Wistar rats

Depending on the strain, probiotics can have a variety of characteristics. However, some have been shown to be important for preventing infections and regulating the immune system through interactions with immune cells and the gut mucosa. This study is an experimental study aimed at investigating the effects of probiotic and postbiotic mixture( Lactobacillus heloticus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei ) on kidney tissue and testis infected with Escherichia coli bacteria in male Wistar rats.Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (200–220 g) were randomly divided into four groups: control, E. coli-infected, E. coli + probiotic (10 ⁹ CFU/mL), and E. coli + postbiotic (10 ⁹ CFU/mL). Infection was induced via intraperitoneal injection for three consecutive days, followed by 35 days of daily oral administration of probiotics or postbiotics. At the end of the treatment, heart blood samples were collected to evaluate urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels. Histological assessments, TAC (total antioxidant capacity), gene expression (IL6, TNF, Bax, Bcl2), and sperm parameters were analyzed. One-way ANOVA and SPSS software were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).Probiotic and postbiotic treatments significantly improved sperm quality, hormone levels (LH, FSH), antioxidant status, and inflammatory gene expression compared to the infected group. Histological examinations revealed reduced tissue damage in treated groups, with partial recovery observed in both kidney and testicular structures.In testicular and renal tissues of E. coli-infected mice, the probiotic and postbiotic blend ( Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus helveticus ) showed a modulatory effect, enhancing several parameters. This implies that it could be a potentially effective therapeutic intervention.