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-1β 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-1β expressions by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and thus reduce the visceral hypersensitivity of PI-IBS.