However, SQSTM1 protein expression was decreased in PMECs incubated with L. johnsonii L531 or the group of L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment followed by E. coli infection than in PMECs infected with E. coli alone (P < 0.001, and P = 0.001), even lower than in untreated control cells (p = 0.001, and p = 0.023). This evidence concerns the gene SQSTM1 and escherichia coli infection.