2-Ketogluconic acid and pyrroloquinoline quinone secreting probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 as a dietary strategy against heavy metal induced damage in rats

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop genetically modified probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN-23) slowly releasing 2-ketogluconic acid (2-KG) as a chelator and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) as an antioxidant against heavy metal induced damage. Methods: Male rats were exposed separately to cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) for a month and Cd-Pb together for 4 months. Results: EcN-23 significantly decreased oxidative stress induced by Cd and Hg as compared to orally given PQQ and 2-KG and also prevented LPS induced damage in Pb treated rats along with enhanced gastric emptying and survival. Moreover, oxidative damage, histopathological damage and dislipidemia markers were maintained at near normal in rats on long term coexposure of Cd and Pb without any loss in essential metal ions. Conclusion: Treatment of EcN-23 is effective against Cd, Pb and Hg toxicity as well as Cd and Pb coexposure.

Keywords

• Cadmium
• Lead
• Heavy metal toxicity
• 2-Ketogluconic acid
• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
• Probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917