<i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG mitigates bone loss induced by mechanical unloading via regulation of the gut-bone axis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bone loss is a serious complication of mechanical unloading, such as that experienced during spaceflight or prolonged bed rest, and represents a significant clinical concern. Although the gut-bone axis has been implicated in bone homeostasis, its role under unloading conditions remains underexplored.

Methods

In this study, we employed a hindlimb unloading (HU) mouse model to investigate the underlying mechanisms of HU-induced bone loss and the potential protective role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), short-chain fatty acids (LC-MS/MS), intestinal barrier proteins (ZO-1/Occludin), inflammatory cytokines in bone tissue (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-10), regulatory T (Treg), bone markers (BALP/OPG/OCN/PINP/CTX), and microarchitectu

SUBMITTER: Qin X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12907305 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature