Background and purpose: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with a long half-life that usually accumulates in liver and kidney. This study assessed the effect of two probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis) on gastrointestinal cadmium elimination and accumulation of cadmium in rats’ liver within 4 weeks. Materials and methods: Experimental animals in three groups received daily bacterial oral solution before cadmium exposure while the animals in another group were only exposed to cadmium (CdCl₂) daily. At the end of the second and fourth week, liver from each sacrificed rat were dissected out and cadmium concentration in samples was determined using polarography system. Results: Second week sampling revealed higher amount of cadmium in the groups receiving probiotics compared to that of the group that received only Cd. In fourth week, liver cadmium concentration in the groups that received probiotic was lower than the cadmium alone group. But this difference was only significant in the group that received Bifidobacterium. Conclusion: This study showed Bifidobacterium BB12 as the most effective in reducing the concentration of cadmium in liver. Therefore, considering the physiological benefits of probiotic bacteria, this strain could be used as a supplementary in probiotic products to protect against heavy metal toxicity.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium lactis, Cadmium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Liver, Probiotic

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