BDNF and depressive symptom measurement: The Lactobacillus strains 126L6, CCFM1229, and CCFM1228 increased 5-HT levels in the prefrontal cortex and BDNF levels in the hippocampi of mice in this study, and CCFM1229 reduced serum corticosterone concentrations, suggesting that treatment with 126L6, CCFM1229, and CCFM1228 can improve the core biochemical depression indices.