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. 2025 Feb 14;15(2):300.
doi: 10.3390/life15020300.

Effects of Heyndrickxia coagulans on Waterborne Copper Toxicity

Chung-Tsui Huang  1 , Chao-Yi Chen  2 , Yao-Jen Liang  2   3
Affiliations

Effects of Heyndrickxia coagulans on Waterborne Copper Toxicity

Chung-Tsui Huang et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

Copper contamination in coastal water environments poses a significant health risk, and traditional treatments for copper intoxication include gastric lavage, chelation, and hemodialysis. Recent research suggests that probiotics may help mitigate heavy metal toxicity by promoting biosorption in the intestinal tract. To explore this potential, we investigated the protective effects of Heyndrickxia coagulans (H. coagulans) against copper-induced toxicity in rats. After eight weeks of exposure, rats receiving both copper and H. coagulans exhibited significant improvements in renal function, lipid profiles, antioxidant enzyme activity, and histological markers compared to the copper-only group. However, liver function remained largely unchanged, suggesting a more pronounced protective effect on renal health. These findings highlight the potential of H. coagulans as a supportive intervention for mitigating the adverse effects of copper intoxication.

Keywords: Heyndrickxia coagulans; biosorption; heavy metal; ocean pollution; waterborne copper toxicity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) levels between copper-poisoned rats fed with H. coagulans (Cu + H) and those without H. coagulans (Cu). A lower level of BUN and creatinine indicates better renal function. (A) BUN and (B) creatinine levels were significantly lower in the group fed H. coagulans. * p < 0.05 compared to the Cu group. (n = 6).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of triglyceride (TRIG) and total cholesterol (CHOL) levels between copper-poisoned rats fed with H. coagulans (Cu + H) and those without H. coagulans (Cu). (A) Triglyceride and (B) cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the group fed with H. coagulans. * p < 0.05 compared to the Cu group (n = 6).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of liver and kidney histology between copper-poisoned rats fed with H. coagulans (TCI 117, right column) and those without H. coagulans (left column). Histological injuries were ameliorated in the group fed with H. coagulans.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparison of glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels between group 1 (control, C), group 2 (copper, Cu), and group 3 (copper plus H. coagulans, Cu + H). (A) Glutathione and (B) superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in group 3. * p < 0.05 compared to the Cu group (n = 6).
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