Human Genetics and Genomics

en Assessment of Lactobacillus casei on Antioxidant Enzyme Levels, Biochemical Parameters, and the Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, Bcl-2, and Bax Genes in the Kidneys of Rats Exposed to Mercuric Chloride تخصصي Gene expression پژوهشي Research Introduction: Mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) disrupts kidney function by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus casei, may mitigate these effects. This study investigates the impact of L. casei on renal function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory/apoptotic gene expression in HgCl₂-exposed Wistar rats. Methodology: Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: control, HgCl₂-treated, L. casei-treated, and combined treatment. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and MDA) were assessed. Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, Bcl-2, and Bax genes was analyzed using real-time PCR. Histopathological changes were also examined. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (P > 0.05). Results: Exposure to HgCl₂ significantly increased urea, creatinine, and MDA levels by >100% (P < 0.0001) and reduced SOD and CAT activities by 26% (P > 0.05 vs. control) and 92% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Co-treatment with L. casei partially restored SOD (13.5% improvement, P > 0.05 vs. toxin) and CAT (42% improvement, P < 0.05 vs. toxin). Probiotics also significantly downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, and BAX (P < 0.05) and upregulated BCL2 (P < 0.05). Additionally, glomerular size was restored by 59% (P < 0.0001 vs. toxin). Conclusion: L. casei exhibited protective effects against HgCl₂-induced renal injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in nephrotoxicity management.   Lactobacillus casei, Mercuric chloride, Antioxidant Enzymes, Apoptotic Genes, Probiotic, Kidney 0 0 http://humangeneticsgenomics.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-385-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Milad Amrollahi mamrol42@gmail.com 1003194753284600950 1003194753284600950 No Department of Biology, ISI.C, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran. Saba Taheri sabataheri@iau.ac.ir 1003194753284600951 1003194753284600951 No Institute of biosocial and quantum science and technologies, ISI. C., Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran. Behnaz Esfandiari Behnaz.esfandiari@iiau.ac.ir 1003194753284600952 1003194753284600952 Yes Institute of biosocial and quantum science and technologies, ISI. C., Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran.