A Preclinical Study on Probiotic Intervention in Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Injury
Prabu Rajagoapalan, Shri Vidya Shyam Prasad, Gokul Raj, Nithish
Kumar C, Shyamprasad Kodimule and Raksha Sunhare*
Development and Research Centre-Probiotics, Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd, No. 102B
& 105B, Pharmaceuticals SEZ Industrial Area, KIDB, Hassan, 573201
Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: RRaksha Sunhare, Development and Research
Centre-Probiotics, Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd, No. 102B & 105B, Pharmaceuticals SEZ
Industrial Area, KIDB, Hassan, 573201 Karnataka, India.
Received:
March 03, 2026; Published: March 31, 2026
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective and therapeutic potential of Bacillus coagulans VHBAX in a zebrafish model
of liver cirrhosis. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 0.5% ethanol to induce liver cirrhosis, and the treatment group received probiotic
supplementation, with outcomes compared to control and ethanol-induced groups. The effects of supplementation were evaluated
through liver histopathology, liver function markers, hepatic lipid accumulation, gut permeability markers, and inflammasome-
related parameters. Probiotic administration resulted in marked improvement in liver histology, significant reduction in liver injury
biomarkers, decreased lipid accumulation within hepatic tissues, modulation of gut permeability markers indicating restoration of
intestinal integrity, and regulation of inflammasome-associated inflammatory responses. Biochemical analyses further confirmed
reduced hepatic injury and inflammation, reflecting improved liver function and enhanced lipid metabolism. Overall, the findings
suggest that Bacillus coagulans VHBAX exerts a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage and may play a beneficial role
in mitigating fatty liver disease by reducing inflammation, improving hepatic health, and restoring gut barrier function.
Keywords: Bacillus coagulans; Gut Dysbiosis; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Function Markers; Probiotics; VHBAX; Zebrafish Model
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