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Figure 2. Alleviating effects of GABA-producing Lactococcus lactis on intestinal dysfunction in IBS model mice. (A) Schematic diagram of the experimental protocol for IBS model induction using Citrobacter rodentium infection combined with water avoidance stress; (B) CFUs of Citrobacter rodentium in feces of model mice at different time points after gavage; (C) Colonic iNOS enzymatic activity; (D-F) mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and barrier-associated proteins in colonic tissues: (D) IL-6, (E) IL-10, (F) CLDN2; (G) Representative H&E-stained colonic sections (10× magnification); (H) Quantification of colonic crypt length; (I) Measurement of fecal water content. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test vs. the MS group. ns stands for P > 0.05, *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001. GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome; CFU: colony-forming unit; iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; MS: model + stress.