Lycium barbarum-probiotic synergy alleviates chemotherapy-induced cancer-related fatigue via gut microbiota-metabolic axis regulation in mice

Introduction This study investigated the effects of a compound preparation combining Lycium barbarum and probiotics (LB-Pro) on chemotherapy-induced cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in a murine model. The aim was to explore potential mechanisms related to the gut microbiota-metabolic axis. Materials and methods A CRF model was established in C57BL/6NCr mice using 5-fluorouracil. Mice were divided into four groups receiving varying concentrations of LB-Pro. Over 14 days, interventions were administered, followed by treadmill exhaustion tests to assess fatigue levels. Body weight, serum biomarkers (TNF- α , GSH-Px, NAD-MDH, SOD), and gut microbiota composition were analyzed to evaluate physiological and metabolic changes. Results Administration of medium- and high-concentration LB-Pro significantly improved fatigue-related outcomes, including prolonged exhaustion times and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, compared to the control group. Low-concentration LB-Pro showed limited efficacy. Gut microbiota analysis revealed alterations in microbial composition, including enrichment of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, and metabolic pathways associated with energy metabolism and antioxidant defense were upregulated in probiotic-treated groups. Conclusion LB-Pro alleviated chemotherapy-induced CRF in mice, likely through modulation of gut microbiota and enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant systems. These findings highlight the potential of integrative approaches combining traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics for managing CRF, emphasizing the gut microbiota-metabolic axis as a key therapeutic target.