2.3.1. Assessment of Biochemical Parameters
BLOOD
Blood samples were collected from AD patients and were used to analyze BDNF, cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-10), cortisol, and oxidative activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonylation content (PCC)), before and after a 12-week probiotic intervention. The quantification of serum BDNF, IL-1β, and IL-10 was accomplished using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (BioLegend, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Serum cortisol levels were determined using ROCHE Cobas E601/Beckman DxC 800 (Beckman Coulter Inc., Brea, CA, USA). Furthermore, serum levels of SOD, MDA, and PCC were measured using assay kits, following the protocol outlined by Cayman Chemical (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Subsequently, the samples were measured using an ELISA reader (CLARIOstar