Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in Bifidobacterium longum-regulated visceral hypersensitivity of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome

We aimed to explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in Bifidobacterium longum-regulated visceral hypersensitivity of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Fifty NIH mice were divided into five groups (n=10). The visceral sensitivities of PI-2W and PI-8W groups significantly exceeded than those of normal control groups (P<0.05), which was significantly decreased in PI-B group (P<0.05). Significantly more IL-18 and IL-1 were expressed in PI-2W and PI-8W groups than those in normal control groups (P<0.05), which was significantly decreased in PI-B group (P<0.05). Bifidobacterium longum may down-regulate IL-18 and IL-1 expressions by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and thus reduce the visceral hypersensitivity of PI-IBS.