Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7527, 7528 and 7529 in hypercholesterolaemic adults

Lactobacillus Kefir M20 Adaptation to Bile Salts: A Novel Pathway for Cholesterol Reduction

(1) Background: This study investigated the impact of in vitro adaptations to acid and bile stress on the cholesterol-lowering activity of the probiotic Lactobacillus kefir M20. (2) Methods: Lactobacillus kefir M20 was extracted from fermented dairy products in Xinjiang, China, and isolated using MRS medium. The lactic acid bacteria were cultured for stress resistance to acid and bile salts and then gavaged into mice for animal experiments. (3) Results: The adaptation to bile stress treatment resulted in a notable enhancement of the cholesterol-lowering capacity of Lactobacillus kefir M20, with reductions of 16.5% and 33.1% in total and non-HDL cholesterol, respectively, compared to the untreated strain. Furthermore, the daily fecal total bile acid excretion was 9.2, 5.4 and 5.0 times higher in the M20-BSA group compared to the HC, M20 and M20-ASA groups, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that targeted probiotics have the potential for application in the next generation of functional foods and probiotic formulations aimed at combating hypercholesterolemia.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Intake on Androgenic Alopecia

This study aimed to assess the impact of a combination of probiotic strains of Lactiplantibacillus on the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). To this end, 136 individuals with AGA (62 men and 74 women) aged 18-65 years were enrolled in a double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 115 individuals (57 in the probiotic group and 58 in the placebo group) completed this study within a 16-week intervention period. Capillary density, thickness, and length of hair were analyzed before and after the intervention using FotoFinder Trichoscale Pro. In addition, the gut microbiota was assessed by paired-end sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform (2 × 300 bp). At the conclusion of the treatment period, a notable decline (p < 0.05) in the number of telogen hairs was evident in the probiotic group while hair thickness decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, the remaining variables did not exhibit any statistically significant changes. In the probiotic-treated group, individuals aged less than 37.5 years exhibited a reduction in the number and density of telogen hair (p = 0.0693 and p = 0.0669, respectively) and an increase in hair length (p = 0.0871). Furthermore, a notable decline in the number and density of vellus hair (p < 0.05) was observed, and this was accompanied by no change in the hair thickness. The probiotic-treated group exhibited a significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus (p-adjusted < 0.05, DEseq2 test) and demonstrated a notable reduction in the number and density of telogen hair, and this was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of anagen hair. The probiotic mixture was well tolerated by the participants, with a treatment adherence rate of 90%. In light of this study's limitations, it can be concluded that a mixture of three strains of Lactiplantibacillus promotes the presence of terminal follicles, preventing their gradual miniaturization, which is a characteristic of AGA.

Multi-species synbiotic supplementation increased fecal short chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in adult men with dyslipidemia; A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence revealed that an imbalance of Gut Microbiota (GM) leads to metabolic disorders. Synbiotics through regulation of GM composition can be an effective intervention in the management of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of multi-species synbiotic supplementation on serum interleukin10 (IL-10) and fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in patients with dyslipidemia.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, fifty-six adult men with dyslipidemia were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo powder twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 6 species of probiotic microorganisms with a total dose of 3 × 1010 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 5 gr inulin and Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Blood and stool samples were collected at the baseline and end of the study. Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric measurements, serum IL-10, and fecal SCFAs were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULT

There were no significant differences between the baseline characteristics of patients in the two groups. Serum IL-10 was increased in the synbiotic group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, synbiotic supplementation increased fecal concentration of acetate (p < 0.0001), butyrate (p = 0.043), propionate (p < 0.0001), and valerate (p < 0.026). A significant positive correlation was observed between the changes in fecal butyrate level and serum IL-10 concentration in the control group (r = 0.48, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A Twelve-week synbiotic supplementation increased fecal SCFAs and improved inflammation in adult men with dyslipidemia.

Harnessing the power of probiotic strains in functional foods: nutritive, therapeutic, and next-generation challenges

Functional foods have become an essential element of the diet in developed nations, due to their health benefits and nutritive values. Such food products are only called functional if they, "In addition to basic nutrition, have valuable effects on one or multiple functions of the human body, thereby enhancing general and physical conditions and/or reducing the risk of disease progression". Functional foods are currently one of the most extensively researched areas in the food and nutrition sciences. They are fortified and improved food products. Presently, probiotics are regarded as the most significant and commonly used functional food product. Diverse probiotic food products and supplements are used according to the evidence that supports their strength, functionality, and recommended dosage. This review provides an overview of the current functional food market, with a particular focus on probiotic microorganisms as pivotal functional ingredients. It offers insights into current research endeavors and outlines potential future directions in the field.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N4 ameliorates lipid metabolism and gut microbiota structure in high fat diet-fed rats

Lowing blood lipid levels with probiotics has good application prospects. This study aimed to isolate probiotics with hypolipidemic efficacy from homemade na dish and investigate their mechanism of action. In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the cholesterol-lowering ability of five isolates, with results showing that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N4 exhibited a high cholesterol-lowering rate of 50.27% and significant resistance to acid (87%), bile salt (51.97%), and pepsin (88.28%) in simulated gastrointestinal fluids, indicating promising application prospects for the use of probiotics in lowering blood lipids. The findings from the in vivo experiment demonstrated that the administration of N4 effectively attenuated lipid droplet accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the body weight and liver of hyperlipidemic rats, leading to restoration of liver tissue morphology and structure, as well as improvement in lipid and liver biochemical parameters. 16S analysis indicated that the oral administration of N4 led to significant alterations in the relative abundance of various genera, including Sutterella, Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Ruminococcus, in the gut microbiota of hyperlipidemia rats. Additionally, fecal metabolomic analysis identified a total of 78 metabolites following N4 intervention, with carboxylic acids and their derivatives being the predominant compounds detected. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 156 genes with differential expression following N4 intervention, leading to the identification of 171 metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. Notably, the glutathione metabolism pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and bile secretion pathway emerged as the primary enrichment pathways. The findings from a comprehensive multi-omics analysis indicate that N4 influences lipid metabolism and diminishes lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats through modulation of fumaric acid and γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations, as well as glutathione and other metabolic pathways in the intestinal tract, derived from both the gut microbiota and the host liver. This research offers valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of probiotics for managing lipid metabolism disorders and their utilization in the development of functional foods.

Dietary supplements: clinical cholesterol-lowering efficacy and potential mechanisms of action

This review aims to analyse the efficacy of dietary supplements in reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Focusing on evidence from meta-analyses of randomised controlled clinical trials, with an emphasis on potential mechanisms of action as supported by human, animal, and cell studies. Certain dietary supplements including phytosterols, berberine, viscous soluble dietary fibres, garlic supplements, soy protein, specific probiotic strains, and certain polyphenol extracts could significantly reduce plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 3-25% in hypercholesterolemic patients depending on the type of supplement. They tended to be more effective in reducing plasma LDL cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic individuals than in normocholesterolemic individuals. These supplements worked by various mechanisms, such as enhancing the excretion of bile acids, inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, increasing the expression of hepatic LDL receptors, suppressing the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis, and activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signalling pathway.

The Health Benefits of Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To ensure effective administration of probiotics in clinical practice, it is crucial to comprehend the specific strains and their association with human health. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the scientific evidence on the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic consumption on human health. Out of 11,831 records, 135 studies were assessed qualitatively, and 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. This systematic review demonstrated that probiotic supplementation with L. plantarum, either alone or in combination, can significantly improve outcomes for patients with specific medical conditions. Meta-analysis revealed notable benefits in periodontal health, evidenced by reduced pocket depth and bleeding on probing (p < 0.001); in gastroenterological health, marked by significant reductions in abdominal pain (p < 0.001); and in infectious disease, through a reduction in C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular benefits included lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the L. plantarum intervention group (p < 0.05). Our study's clinical significance highlights the importance of considering probiotic strain and their application to specific diseases when planning future studies and clinical interventions, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of synbiotic supplementation on serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide levels in patients with dyslipidaemia

Introduction

Elevated serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are associated with metabolic disorders including dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week treatment with a synbiotic supplement on serum endotoxin and TMAO levels in patients diagnosed with dyslipidaemia.

Material and methods

A total of 56 patients who met the study inclusion criteria were recruited in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. The sociodemographic data, food intake, physical activity, and anthropometric indices of participants were assessed before and after intervention. Serum endotoxin, TMAO, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at the baseline and end of the study.

Results

No significant difference in the baseline characteristics of participants in the 2 groups was observed. After the 12 weeks of intervention, the mean of serum endotoxin (p < 0.0001), TMAO (p < 0.0001), and FBG (p < 0.0001) was decreased in patients who received synbiotic supplements while no significant change was observed in the control group. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between changes in endotoxin (r = 0.41, p = 0.041) and TMAO (r = 0.40, p = 0.047) with FBG changes was observed.

Conclusions

A significant reduction in serum endotoxin and TMAO levels, as well as improvements in FBG, following 12 weeks of supplementation with synbiotics, may offer a potential approach for improving metabolic status in patients with dyslipidaemia.

Role of the intestinal microbiome and its therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disorder

The gut microbiome is a heterogeneous population of microbes comprising viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Such a microbiome is essential for sustaining host equilibrium, and its impact on human health can be altered by a variety of factors such as external variables, social behavior, age, nutrition, and genetics. Gut microbes' imbalances are related to a variety of chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, and digestive disorders. Globally, recent findings show that intestinal microbes have a significant role in the formation of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is still the primary cause of fatalities. Atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, and some inherited variables are all cardiovascular risk variables. However, studies found correlations between metabolism, intestinal flora, and dietary intake. Variations in the diversity of gut microbes and changes in their activity are thought to influence CVD etiology. Furthermore, the gut microbiota acts as an endocrine organ, producing bioactive metabolites such as TMA (trimethylamine)/TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide), SCFA (short-chain fatty acids), and bile acids, which have a substantial impact on host wellness and disease by multiple mechanisms. The purpose of this overview is to compile current evidence highlighting the intricate links between gut microbiota, metabolites, and the development of CVD. It focuses on how intestinal dysbiosis promotes CVD risk factors such as heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. This review explores the normal physiology of intestinal microbes and potential techniques for targeting gut bacteria for CVD treatment using various microbial metabolites. It also examines the significance of gut bacteria in disease treatment, including supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotic therapies, and fecal transplantation, which is an innovative approach to the management of CVD. As a result, gut bacteria and metabolic pathways become increasingly attractive as potential targets for CVD intervention.

Distinct Microbial Taxa Are Associated with LDL-Cholesterol Reduction after 12 Weeks of Lactobacillus plantarum Intake in Mild Hypercholesterolemia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Study

Probiotic microbes such as Lactobacillus may reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strains CECT7527, CECT7528, and CECT7529 (LP) on the serum lipids, cardiovascular parameters, and fecal gut microbiota composition in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 86 healthy adult participants with untreated elevated LDL cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dl was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to either placebo or LP (1.2 × 109 CFU/d) for 12 weeks. LDL, HDL, TC, and triglycerides (TG), cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, arterial stiffness), and fecal gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups were comparable regarding age, sex, and LDL-C at baseline. LDL-C decreased (mean decrease - 6.6 mg/dl ±  - 14.0 mg/dl, Ptime*group = 0.006) in the LP group but not in the placebo group. No effects were observed on HDL, TG, or cardiovascular parameters or overall gut microbiota composition. Responders to LP intervention (> 5% LDL-C reduction) were characterized by higher BMI, pronounced TC reduction, higher abundance of fecal Roseburia, and lower abundance of Oscillibacter. In conclusion, 12 weeks of L. plantarum intake moderately reduced LDL-C and TC as compared to placebo. LDL-C-lowering efficacy of L. plantarum strains may potentially be dependent on individual difference in the gut microbiota. Trial registration: DRKS00020384, dated 07/01/2020.

Enhanced Cholesterol-Lowering and Antioxidant Activities of Soymilk by Fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KML06

This study aimed to evaluate the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant activities of soymilk fermented with probiotic Lactobacillaceae strains and to investigate the production of related bioactive compounds. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KML06 (KML06) was selected for the fermentation of soymilk because it has the highest antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and β-glucosidase activities among the 10 Lactobacillaceae strains isolated from kimchi. The genomic information of strain KML06 was analyzed. Moreover, soymilk fermented with KML06 was evaluated for growth kinetics, metabolism, and functional characteristics during the fermentation period. The number of viable cells, which was similar to the results of radical scavenging activities and cholesterol assimilation, as well as the amount of soy isoflavone aglycones, daidzein, and genistein, was the highest at 12 h of fermentation. These results indicate that soymilk fermented with KML06 can prevent oxidative stress and cholesterol-related problems through the production of soy isoflavone aglycones.

Using metabolomics to understand stress responses in Lactic Acid Bacteria and their applications in the food industry

BACKGROUND

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are commonly used as starter cultures, probiotics, to produce lactic acid and other useful compounds, and even as natural preservatives. For use in any food product however, LAB need to survive the various stresses they encounter in the environment and during processing. Understanding these mechanisms may enable direction of LAB biochemistry with potential beneficial impact for the food industry.

AIM OF REVIEW

To give an overview of the use of LAB in the food industry and then generate a deeper biochemical understanding of LAB stress response mechanisms via metabolomics, and methods of screening for robust strains of LAB.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Uses of LAB in food products were assessed and factors which contribute to survival and tolerance in LAB investigated. Changes in the metabolic profiles of LAB exposed to stress were found to be associated with carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acid levels and these changes were proposed to be a result of the bacteria trying to maintain cellular homeostasis in response to external conditions and minimise cellular damage from reactive oxygen species. This correlates with morphological analysis which shows that LAB can undergo cell elongation and shortening, as well as thinning and thickening of cell membranes, when exposed to stress. It is proposed that these innate strategies can be utilised to minimise negative effects caused by stress through selection of intrinsically robust strains, genetic modification and/or prior exposure to sublethal stress. This work demonstrates the utility of metabolomics to the food industry.

Impact of Oral Administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain CNCM I-4459 on Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet in Mice

Recent evidence suggests that some lactobacilli strains, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, have a beneficial effect on obesity-associated syndromes. Several studies have investigated probiotic challenges in models of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, specifically with respect to its impact on hepatic and/or adipocyte metabolism, gut inflammation and epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota composition. However, only a few studies have combined these aspects to generate a global understanding of how probiotics exert their protective effects. Here, we used the probiotic strain L. plantarum CNCM I-4459 and explored its impact on a mouse model of HFD-induced obesity. Briefly, mice were administered 1 × 109 CFUs/day and fed HFD for 12 weeks. Treatment with this strain improved insulin sensitivity by lowering serum levels of fasting glucose and fructosamine. Administration of the probiotic also affected the transport and metabolism of glucose, resulting in the downregulation of the hepatic Glut-4 and G6pase genes. Additionally, L. plantarum CNCM I-4459 promoted a decreased concentration of LDL-c and modulated hepatic lipid metabolism (downregulation of Fasn, Plin, and Cpt1α genes). Probiotic treatment also restored HFD-disrupted intestinal microbial composition by increasing microbial diversity and lowering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. In conclusion, this probiotic strain represents a potential approach for at least partial restoration of the glucose sensitivity and lipid disruption that is associated with obesity.

Screening of lactic acid bacteria with anti-adipogenic effect and potential probiotic properties from grains

A total of 187 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from four types of grains collected in South Korea. The bacterial strains were assigned as members of Levilactobacillus brevis, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactococcus taiwanensis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Weissella paramesenteroides based on the closest similarity using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strains belonging to the same species were analyzed using RAPD-PCR, and one or two among strains showing the same band pattern were selected. Finally, 25 representative strains were selected for further functional study. Inhibitory effects of lipid accumulation were observed in the strains tested. Pediococcus pentosaceus K28, Levilactobacillus brevis RP21 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RP12 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and did not show cytotoxicity in C3H10T1/2 cells at treatment of 1-200 μg/mL. The three LAB strains decreased significantly expression of six adipogenic marker genes, PPARγ, C/EBPα, CD36, LPL, FAS and ACC, in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes. The three strains survived under strong acidity and bile salt conditions. The three strains showed adhesion to Caco-2 cells similar to a reference strain LGG. The resistance of the three strains to several antibiotics was also assessed. Strains RP12 and K28 were confirmed not to produce harmful enzymes based on API ZYM kit results. Based on these results, strains K28, RP21 and RP12 isolated from grains had the ability to inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes and potentially be useful as probiotics.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Acute Coronary Syndromes: The Microbiota-Immunity Axis in the New Diagnostic and Prognostic Frontiers

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a common genetic disorder with a propensity towards early onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main goal of therapy is to reduce the LDL cholesterol and the current treatment generally consists of statin, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors. Unfortunately, lowering LDL cholesterol may be difficult for many reasons such as the variation of response to statin therapy among the population or the high cost of some therapies (i.e., PCSK9 inhibitors). In addition to conventional therapy, additional strategies may be used. The gut microbiota has been recently considered to play a part in chronic systemic inflammation and hence in CVD. Several studies, though they are still preliminary, consider dysbiosis a risk factor for various CVDs through several mechanisms. In this review, we provide an update of the current literature about the intricate relation between the gut microbiota and the familial hypercholesterolemia.

Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inducia on metabolic and antioxidative response in cholesterol and BMI variable indices: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

Probiotics may have potential in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in middle-aged persons with borderline metabolic indices. The ability of potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inducia to reduce CVD risk factors in persons with variable cholesterol and body mass indices (BMI) was assessed. In two parallel-armed double-blind placebo-controlled interventions (n=136) and (n=104), participants daily received either test yoghurt (Inducia) or placebo yoghurt. BMI, blood pressure, plasma glucose, cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), oxidative stress and immunological markers were measured. Total counts of lactobacilli and L. plantarum Inducia were evaluated using real-time PCR. Significant reduction of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and non-high-density cholesterol occurred in both trials. The change in cholesterol (P=0.023) in persons with normal BMI and borderline cholesterol levels after four weeks of yoghurt consumption was detected. A difference was also found between placebo and test yoghurt groups (P=0.042) in LDL-c with normal BMI. Blood glucose reduction (P=0.01) and antioxidative effect was detected in overweight volunteers of the test yoghurt group. The suppression of oxidised LDL was associated with lowered oxidative stress index and total peroxide concentration values and faecal recovery of Inducia. The Inducia strain expresses antioxidative effect on blood lipids and has anti-glycaemic impact that allow to apply it as dietary probiotic supplement for the management of CVD risks in humans.

Evaluation of Probiotic Properties of Novel Brazilian Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains

Beneficial effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains have been widely reported. Knowing that the effects of probiotic bacteria are strain-dependent, this study aimed to characterize the probiotic properties and investigate the gastrointestinal protective effects of nine novel L. plantarum strains isolated from Bahia, Brazil. The probiotic functionality was first evaluated in vitro by characterizing bile salt and acidic tolerance, antibacterial activity, and adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Antibiotic resistance profile, mucin degradation, and hemolytic activity assays were also performed to evaluate safety features. In vivo analyses were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the strains on a mouse model of 5-Fluorouracil-induced mucositis. Our results suggest that the used L. plantarum strains have good tolerance to bile salts and low pH and can inhibit commonly gastrointestinal pathogens. Lp2 and Lpl1 strains also exhibited high adhesion rates to Caco-2 cells (13.64 and 9.05%, respectively). Phenotypical resistance to aminoglycosides, vancomycin, and tetracycline was observed for most strains. No strain showed hemolytic or mucolytic activity. Seven strains had a protective effect against histopathological and inflammatory damage induced by 5-FU. Gene expression analysis of inflammatory markers showed that five strains upregulated interleukin 10 (Il10), while four downregulated both interleukin 6 (Il6) and interleukin 1b (Il1b). Additionally, all strains reduced eosinophilic and neutrophilic infiltration; however, they could not prevent weight loss or reduced liquid/ food intake. Altogether, our study suggests these Brazilian L. plantarum strains present good probiotic characteristics and safety levels for future applications and can be therapeutically adjuvant alternatives to prevent/treat intestinal mucositis.

Protective Effects of Lactobacillus gasseri against High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Fatty Liver and Regulation of Host Gene Expression Profiles

Fatty liver is one of the most pervasive liver diseases worldwide. Probiotics play an important role in the progression of liver disease, but their effects on host regulation are poorly understood. This study investigated the protective effects of lactobacillus gasseri (L. gasseri) against high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced fatty liver injury using a zebrafish larvae model. Liver pathology, lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation were evaluated to demonstrate the changes in a spectrum of hepatic injury. Moreover, multiple indexes on host gene expression profiles were comprehensively characterized by RNA screening. The results showed that treatment with L. gasseri ameliorated HCD-induced morphological and histological alterations, lipid regulations, oxidative stress and macrophage aggregation in the liver of zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, the enrichment of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway revealed that the core pathways of L. gasseri regulation were interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway, the regulation of lipolysis and adipocytes and fatty acid elongation and estrogen signaling. The genes at key junction nodes, hsp90aa1.1, kyat3, hsd17b7, irs2a, myl9b, ptgs2b, cdk21 and papss2a were significantly regulated by L. gasseri administration. To conclude, the current research extends our understanding of the protective effects of L. gasseri against fatty liver and provides potential therapeutic options for fatty liver treatment.

The effect of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on lipid parameters among patients with cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Although the available evidence emphasizes the beneficial effects of probiotics in normalizing various cardiometabolic markers, there is still substantial uncertainty in this regard. Thus, we set out to determine the effect sizes of probiotics on blood lipid parameters more coherently. A systematic literature search of the Medline (PubMed) and Scopus databases was conducted from inception to February 12, 2021, applying both MeSH terms and free text terms to find the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effect model to calculate the mean effect sizes demonstrated as weighted mean differences (WMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). To explore the heterogeneity, the Cochrane Chi-squared test, and analysis of Galbraith plots were performed. Meta-analysis of data from 40 RCTs (n = 2795) indicated a significant decrease in serum/plasma triglyceride (WMD (95%CI)    -12.26 (-17.11- -7.41) mg/dL; P-value <0.001; I2 (%)= 29.9; P heterogeneity = 0.034)), total cholesterol (with high heterogeneity) (WMD (95%CI)    -8.43 (-11.90- -4.95) mg/dL; P-value <0.001; I2 (%) =56.8; P heterogeneity < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD (95%CI)    -5.08 (-7.61, -2.56) mg/dL; P-value <0.001; I2 (%) =42.7; P heterogeneity =0.002), and HDL-C (with high heterogeneity) (WMD (95%CI)    1.14 (0.23, 2.05) mg/dL; P-value =0.014; I2 (%) = 59.8; P heterogeneity < 0.001) following receiving probiotic/synbiotic supplements. Collectively, the current preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of probiotics/synbiotics in improving dyslipidemia and various lipid parameters more prominently among subjects with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, large and well conducted RCTs are required to provide further convincing support for these results.

Tackling Atherosclerosis via Selected Nutrition

The development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are significantly influenced by lifestyle, particularly nutrition. The modern level of science and technology development promote personalized nutrition as an efficient preventive measure against atherosclerosis. In this survey, the factors were revealed that contribute to the formation of an individual approach to nutrition: genetic characteristics, the state of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and environmental factors (diets, bioactive components, cardioprotectors, etc.). In the course of the work, it was found that in order to analyze the predisposition to atherosclerosis associated with nutrition, genetic features affecting the metabolism of nutrients are significant. The genetic features include the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of genes and epigenetic factors. The influence of telomere length on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and circadian rhythms was also considered. Relatively new is the study of the relationship between chrono-nutrition and the development of metabolic diseases. That is, to obtain the relationship between nutrition and atherosclerosis, a large number of genetic markers should be considered. In this relation, the question arises: "How many genetic features need to be analyzed in order to form a personalized diet for the consumer?" Basically, companies engaged in nutrigenetic research and choosing a diet for the prevention of a number of metabolic diseases use SNP analysis of genes that accounts for lipid metabolism, vitamins, the body's antioxidant defense system, taste characteristics, etc. There is no set number of genetic markers. The main diets effective against the development of atherosclerosis were considered, and the most popular were the ketogenic, Mediterranean, and DASH-diets. The advantage of these diets is the content of foods with a low amount of carbohydrates, a high amount of vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as foods rich in antioxidants. However, due to the restrictions associated with climatic, geographical, material features, these diets are not available for a number of consumers. The way out is the use of functional products, dietary supplements. In this approach, the promising biologically active substances (BAS) that exhibit anti-atherosclerotic potential are: baicalin, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and other plant metabolites. Among the substances, those of animal origin are popular: squalene, coenzyme Q10, omega-3. For the prevention of atherosclerosis through personalized nutrition, it is necessary to analyze the genetic characteristics (SNP) associated with the metabolism of nutrients, to assess the state of the microbiota of the GIT. Based on the data obtained and food preferences, as well as the individual capabilities of the consumer, the optimal diet can be selected. It is topical to exclude nutrients of which their excess consumption stimulates the occurrence and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to enrich the diet with functional foods (FF), BAS containing the necessary anti-atherosclerotic, and stimulating microbiota of the GIT nutrients. Personalized nutrition is a topical preventive measure and there are a number of problems hindering the active use of this approach among consumers. The key factors include weak evidence of the influence of a number of genetic features, the high cost of the approach, and difficulties in the interpretation of the results. Eliminating these deficiencies will contribute to the maintenance of a healthy state of the population through nutrition.

Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation alleviates liver and intestinal injury in parenteral nutrition-fed piglets

OBJECTIVE

Long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) causes parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) for which therapeutic approaches are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 1258 (LP) on liver and intestinal injury in the PN-fed neonatal piglets.

METHODS

The piglets received PN with or without oral LP for 14 days. The levels of liver enzymes and inflammatory markers were measured using biochemical kits and q-RT-PCR. Serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bile acid profiles in the liver, serum, and intestinal contents were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The composition of intestinal bacteria was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

LP supplementation was associated with improved markers of liver disease, inflammation, and oxidative stress in PN-fed piglets. Moreover, markers of intestinal injury and inflammation were alleviated by LP in PN-fed piglets. Mechanistically, LP increased the abundance of Lactobacillus in ileal contents and stimulated FGF19 expression in ileal mucosa. Subsequently, it increased the expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP) and inhibited cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression in the liver. Additionally, LP altered the systemic composition and metabolism of bile acids.

CONCLUSIONS

LP alleviated liver and intestinal injury in PN-fed neonatal piglets by altering the composition of intestinal bacteria and bile acids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Pilot Study of whether or Not Vegetable and Fruit Juice Containing Lactobacillus paracasei Lowers Blood Lipid Levels and Oxidative Stress Markers in Thai Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Dyslipidemia is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of mortality worldwide. Meanwhile, lipid-lowering drug side-effects may also occur. Thus, consumption of vegetables and fruits containing probiotics is a good alternative to influence the lipid profile in plasma. This study investigated the effect of consuming vegetable and fruit juice (VFJ) with (probiotic group) and without probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei (placebo group), on the body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress enzymes, and bile acid level in dyslipidemic patients (n = 20) at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for 30 days. The levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio in the probiotic group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group. The HDL-C concentration in the probiotic group was higher than that in the placebo group. The probiotic group showed significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels; increased oxidative stress enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma; and increased bile acid (BA) levels in the feces. Therefore, the findings of this study demonstrate that VFJ enriched with probiotic L. paracasei may represent an alternative method for the prevention of dyslipidemia during the primary intervention stage for patients who are not yet taking other medication.

Assessment of Two Potential Probiotic Strains As Anti-Obesity Supplements Under High-Fat Feeding Conditions

Obesity is one of the chronic diseases that increase annually and cause cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of death worldwide. So, this study aims to evaluate the role of the two potential probiotics: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Pro1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Pro2, isolated from the fermented milk and corn silage as anti-obesity supplements. Seventy-five male BALB/c mice were distributed to five groups (control, obesity, obesity plus L. plantarum (OLP), obesity plus L. rhamnosus (OLR) and obesity plus mixture of two strains (OM)). The body weight, lipid profile, histopathology and enzymes of liver were assessed. RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of CYP7A1, ALTG4, TNFα and ROR genes.The findings show that the obesity group recorded the significant highest value of the body weight, TC, TG, LDL, AST and ALT, while OLP group recorded the significant lowest value. Liver tissue of obesity group has necrosis and fatty changes, while the OLP group was related to the control group. The findings of RT-PCR show non-significant differences between the control group and the OLP group, with significant differences between the control group and the set groups in expression of CYP7A1, ALTG4, TNFα and ROR genes. L. plantarum Pro1 reduced the expression of inflammation genes (TNFα and ROR), and increase the expression of the lipid metabolism genes (CYP7A1, ALTG4) to reduce the inflammatory effects of obesity in the liver, and decrease the cholesterol level in serum. Therefore, L. plantarum Pro1 is useful as anti-obesity supplements and an eliminator of the relevant diseases.

The effect of kefir consumption on the lipid profile for individuals with normal and dyslipidemic properties: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective This research was conducted as a prospective, self-controlled, eight-week clinical trial to investigate the effect of kefir consumption on the lipid profile of individuals with normal and dyslipidemic properties. Methods Kefir microorganisms given to volunteer subjects were determined using classical microbial count methods and qReal-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The study was carried out with 23 volunteer hospital health personnel between the ages of 20 and 55 who met the research criteria and did not have any health problems. The volunteers regularly consumed kefir on an empty stomach for four weeks. In the last stage, the eight-week study was completed by making blood and anthropometric measurements of the subjects, who continued to be studied without kefir consumption for four more weeks. Results Considering the changes in the serum lipid profiles of 13 individuals with dyslipidemic symptoms during the 4-week period they consumed kefir, Total Cholesterol values decreased by 9.15% compared to initial values, LDL-Cholesterol values decreased by 10.64%, HDL-Cholesterol values decreased by 6.9%, and triglyceride values decreased by 2.46%. The changes in the serum lipid profiles of 13 individuals with dyslipidemic findings at the end of an eight-week study were a 5.71% decrease in total cholesterol values (p<0.018) considered statistically significant, as well as a 5.31% decrease in LDL-Cholesterol values (p<0.021); the HDL-Cholesterol results were found to be significant with an 8.58% decrease in the values (p<0.035) and insignificant with a 17.21% increase in the triglyceride values (p<0.926). We concluded that regular kefir consumption was effective in both women and men in lowering total cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol from blood lipid profiles, especially in individuals with dyslipidemic symptoms, while this effect was not observed in normal individuals. Conclusion Kefir can positively affect the total cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol blood parameters of dyslipidemic individuals with high serum lipid values.

Protective Effect of Fermented Camel Milk Containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on Blood Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The present study aimed to investigate synergistic health effects of camel milk and Bif. longum BB536 in rats with diet-induced obesity, impaired lipid profile, and hypercholesterolemia. Wistar rats received a high-fat (HF) diet plus 2 ml/day of either cow's milk fermented with yogurt culture (CT), camel milk fermented with yogurt culture (CAT), camel milk fermented with Bif. longum BB536 (CAP), mixed cow's and camel milk fermented with yogurt culture (CCAT), or cow's milk and camel milk fermented with Bif. longum (CCAP). All fermented milk products significantly reduced HDL, albumin, and total protein. The percentage change in body weight gain was between −40% (CAP) and −24% (CT) and in serum triglycerides between −54% (CCAP) and −37% (CT); for the other parameters, changes caused by CCAP/CT were −40%/−22% (total cholesterol), +29%/+8% (HDL), −73%/−54% (LDL), −54%/−37% (VLDL), −52%/−14% (AST), −53%/−31% (ALT), +43%/+25% (albumin), +37%/+25% (total protein), −48%/−27% (urea), and −34%/−16% (creatinine). Camel or cow's milk fermented with yogurt culture or Bif. longum significantly improved negative effects of the HF diet on body weight, blood lipid profile, serum proteins, liver and kidney markers, and severity of the metabolic syndrome. Milk and fermentation culture acted synergistically with camel milk and Bif. longum generally showed stronger positive effects./

The Administration of Probiotics against Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review

Hypercholesterolemia is a key factor in the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a significant public health concern with a high death rate. Some of the main factors linked to CVD include genetics and lifestyle. Dyslipidemia has been one of the factors related to the onset of several CVD-related diseases. Several clinicopathological studies have shown a correlation between high cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and CVD development. Probiotics have received a lot of attention for various beneficial effects, especially their ability to reduce blood cholesterol in humans. Probiotics were shown in several investigations to affect hypercholesterolemia by influencing cholesterol biosynthesis. The current review focuses on the human dietary interventions with probiotics and their effects on CVD risk factors and hypercholesterolemia. The outcomes are debatable and consider various parameters such as probiotic strain, dosing frequency, therapeutic response, dietary changes, and so forth. As a result, probiotics have the propensity to become dietary supplements in moderate/severe hypercholesterolemic patients, which significantly reduces the CVD risk.

Probiotic Characterization of Cholesterol-Lowering Lactobacillus fermentum MJM60397

Lactobacillus fermentum MJM60397 was subjected to in vitro safety tests and in vivo probiotic characterization. The MJM60397 strain was susceptible to antibiotics and was found to be non-mucinolytic and non-hemolytic, and does not produce bioamines. In addition, MJM60397 tolerated simulated oro-gastrointestinal conditions and adhered to Caco-2 cells. MJM60397 also exhibited bile salt hydrolase activity and could deconjugate bile acids. The hypocholesterolemic effects of strain MJM60397 were studied in high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemic male ICR mice. The mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and were divided into the following three experimental groups: HCD-control (HCD-Con), mice fed with HCD + L. fermentum MJM60397 (HCD-MJM60397), and mice fed with HCD + L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 (HCD-L.ac) as the positive control. Simultaneously, a normal control diet (NCD) group was maintained. After 7 weeks, the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in the livers of the HCD-MJM60397 mice when compared to those in the HCD-Con and HCD-L.ac mice. Fecal total bile acid content was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the HCD-MJM60397 group than in the NCD, HCD-Con, and HCD-L.ac groups. Analysis of gene expression revealed higher expression of LDLR gene in the livers of the HCD-MJM60397 and HCD-L.ac mice than in the livers of the HCD-Con mice. These findings show that the hypocholesterolemic effects of the MJM60397 strain were attributable to its bile salt deconjugating activity, which resulted in decreased bile acid absorption and increased excretion of bile acids in the feces. These results indicate that L. fermentum MJM60397 could be developed into a potential probiotic for reducing the serum cholesterol levels.

Mechanistic and physiological approaches of fecal microbiota transplantation in the management of NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifaceted disease allied with various metabolic disorders, obesity and dysbiosis. Gut microbiota plays an influential role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other metabolic disorders. However, recent scientific upsurge emphasizes on the utility of beneficial gut microbiota and bacteriotherapy in the management of NAFLD. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the contemporary therapeutic approach with state-of-the-art methods for the treatment of NAFLD. Other potential therapies include probiotics and prebiotics supplements which are based on alteration of gut microbes to treat NAFLD. In this review, our major focus is on the pathological association of gut microbiota with progression of NAFLD, historical aspects and recent advances in FMT with possible intervention to combat NAFLD and its associated metabolic dysfunctions.

The Efficacy of Short-Term Weight Loss Programs and Consumption of Natural Probiotic Bryndza Cheese on Gut Microbiota Composition in Women

Weight loss interventions with probiotics have favourable effects on gut microbiota composition and derived metabolites. However, little is known about whether the consumption of natural probiotics, such as Bryndza cheeses, brings similar benefits. The purpose of the study was to find the effect of short-term weight loss programs and Bryndza cheese consumption on the structure of the gut microbiota, microbiota-derived metabolites and body composition in middle-aged women. We conducted a randomised controlled intervention study. Twenty-two female participants with a body fat percentage ≥25% underwent a short weight loss program (4 weeks). Subjects were randomised to either the control or intervention group according to diet. The intervention group comprised 13 participants, whose diet contained 30 g of “Bryndza” cheese daily (WLPB). The control group comprised nine participants without the regular consumption of Bryndza cheese (WLP) in their diet. Both interventions lead to a significant and favourable change of BMI, body fat, waist circumference and muscle mass. Moreover, the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichales significantly increased in both groups. However, the relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillales, Streptococcaceae, Lactococcus and Streptococcus) significantly increased only in the WLPB group. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acid producers Phascolarctobacterium and Butyricimonas increased significantly in the WLPB group. A short-term weight loss program combined with Bryndza cheese consumption improves body composition and increases the abundance of lactic acid bacteria and short-chain fatty acid producers in middle-aged women.

Oral colonization by Levilactobacillus brevis KABPTM-052 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABPTM-051: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial (Pilot Study)

Background

To determine the oral colonization capacity of the strains Levilactobacillus brevis KABPTM-052 (CECT 7480) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABPTM-051 (CECT 7481) in healthy subjects.

Material and Methods

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 40 volunteers (22 females, 18 males; age range 18-55 years) with healthy gingiva or mild gingivitis, allocated to receiving probiotic chewing gum (n=20) or placebo (n=20) b.i.d for 6 weeks. At baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment, a periodontics specialist collected saliva samples to assess probiotic colonization by qPCR, and analysed dental plaque, gingival index and dental probing pocket depth in Community Periodontal Index (CPI) teeth subset. Protocol was registered as NCT03540498.

Results

Treatment compliance was high (99%). Both L. brevis and L. plantarum were detected in the oral microbiota at baseline. After 6 weeks, volunteers receiving probiotic showed a significant increase of both L. brevis (p = 0.017) and L. plantarum (p = 0.004) versus placebo. This effect remained significant after adjusting for gender and gingival index at baseline. In the probiotic group, reduction in plaque index significantly correlated to higher levels of L. brevis (rho = 0.57, p = 0.022) but not of L. plantarum at study endpoint, and the number of subjects with dental plaque was reduced during intervention (7 of 17, p = 0.016). No such effects were observed in the placebo group. No adverse drug reactions were reported.

Conclusions

Levilactobacillus brevis KABPTM-052 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABPTM-051 colonize the buccal microbiota of healthy volunteers, and higher colonization by L. brevis positively correlated to reduction in dental plaque. 

Key words:Probiotic, Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, oral colonization, oral microbiota, dental plaque.

Oral intake of Lactobacillus plantarum L-14 extract alleviates TLR2- and AMPK-mediated obesity-associated disorders in high-fat-diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice

OBJECTIVES

Whether periodic oral intake of postbiotics positively affects weight regulation and prevents obesity-associated diseases in vivo is unclear. This study evaluated the action mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum L-14 (KTCT13497BP) extract and the effects of its periodic oral intake in a high-fat-diet (HFD) mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSC) were treated with L-14 extract every 2 days during adipogenic differentiation, and the mechanism underlying anti-adipogenic effects was analysed at cellular and molecular levels. L-14 extract was orally administrated to HFD-feeding C57BL/6J mice every 2 days for 7 weeks. White adipose tissue was collected and weighed, and liver and blood serum were analysed. The anti-adipogenic mechanism of exopolysaccharide (EPS) isolated from L-14 extract was also analysed using Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) inhibitor C29.

RESULTS

L-14 extract inhibited 3T3-L1 and hBM-MSC differentiation into mature adipocytes by upregulating AMPK signalling pathway in the early stage of adipogenic differentiation. The weight of the HFD + L-14 group (31.51 ± 1.96 g) was significantly different from that of the HFD group (35.14 ± 3.18 g). L-14 extract also significantly decreased the serum triacylglycerol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (an insulin resistance marker) and steatohepatitis. In addition, EPS activated the AMPK signalling pathway by interacting with TLR2, consequently inhibiting adipogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

EPS from L-14 extract inhibits adipogenesis via TLR2 and AMPK signalling pathways, and oral intake of L-14 extract improves obesity and obesity-associated diseases in vivo. Therefore, EPS can be used to prevent and treat obesity and metabolic disorders.

A Combination of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum Strains CECT7527, CECT7528, and CECT7529 Plus Monacolin K Reduces Blood Cholesterol: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Dietary supplements have been proposed to help manage blood cholesterol, including red yeast rice (RYR) extracts, plant sterols and stanols, beta-glucans, and some probiotics. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of RYR (containing 10 mg of monacolin K) combined with 10⁹ CFU of three Lactoplantibacillus plantarum strains (CECT7527, CECT7528, and CECT7529). Methods: A 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. In total, 39 adult patients were enrolled, having total cholesterol (TC) ≥200 mg/dL, and being statin-naïve or having recently stopped statin treatment because of intolerance. Active product or placebo were taken once daily, and subjects were evaluated at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Study groups were comparable at baseline, except for history of recent hypercholesterolemia treatment (81% in active vs. 22% in placebo). Changes in LDL cholesterol and TC became significant compared to placebo (mean difference between groups and standard error of the mean = 23.6 ± 1.5 mg/dL, p = 0.023 and 31.4 ± 1.9 mg/dL, p = 0.011, respectively) upon adjusting for the baseline imbalance in hypercholesterolemia treatment. No adverse effects were noted during the study. Conclusion: This combination of 10 mg of monacolin K and L. plantarum strains was well tolerated and achieved a statistically significant greater reduction in LDL-C and TC in the intervention group compared to the placebo, once adjusting for recent history of hypercholesterolemia treatment.

In vitro-in vivo Validation of Stimulatory Effect of Oat Ingredients on Lactobacilli

The prebiotic activity of a commercially available oat product and a novel oat ingredient, at similar β-glucan loads, was tested using a validated in vitro gut model (M-SHIME^®). The novel oat ingredient was tested further at lower β-glucan loads in vitro, while the commercially available oat product was assessed in a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, and cross-over human study. Both approaches focused on healthy individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia. In vitro analysis revealed that both oat products strongly stimulated Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae in the intestinal lumen and the simulated mucus layer, and corresponded with enhanced levels of acetate and lactate with cross-feeding interactions leading to an associated increase in propionate and butyrate production. The in vitro prebiotic activity of the novel oat ingredient remained at lower β-glucan levels, indicating the prebiotic potential of the novel oat product. Finally, the stimulation of Lactobacillus spp. was confirmed during the in vivo trial, where lactobacilli abundance significantly increased in the overall population at the end of the intervention period with the commercially available oat product relative to the control product, indicating the power of in vitro gut models in predicting in vivo response of the microbial community to dietary modulation.

Extra-virgin olive oil and the gut-brain axis: influence on gut microbiota, mucosal immunity, and cardiometabolic and cognitive health

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), a popular functional food and major source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, possesses a variety of healthful components, including monounsaturated fatty acids and bioactive phenolic compounds that, individually and collectively, exert beneficial effects on cardiometabolic markers of health and act as neuroprotective agents through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The gut microbiota and health of the intestinal environment are now considered important factors in the development of obesity, metabolic disease, and even certain neurodegenerative conditions via the gut-brain axis. Recently, data are emerging which demonstrate that the health-promoting benefits of EVOO may also extend to the gut microbiota. In this review, we aimed to examine findings from recent studies regarding the impact of EVOO on gut microbiota and intestinal health and explore how modulations in composition of gut microbiota, production of microbially produced products, and activity and functioning of the mucosal immune system may lead to favorable outcomes in cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health.

Strain-Specific Effects of Bifidobacterium longum on Hypercholesterolemic Rats and Potential Mechanisms

Hypercholesterolemia is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease, which is among the major causes of death worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore whether Bifidobacterium longum strains exerted intra-species differences in cholesterol-lowering effects in hypercholesterolemic rats and to investigate the potential mechanisms. SD rats underwent gavage with each B. longum strain (CCFM 1077, I3, J3 and B3) daily for 28 days. B. longum CCFM 1077 exerted the most potent cholesterol-lowering effect, followed by B. longum I3 and B3, whereas B. longum B3 had no effect in alleviating hypercholesterolemia. Divergent alleviation of different B. longum strains on hypercholesterolemia can be attributed to the differences in bile salt deconjugation ability and cholesterol assimilation ability in vitro. By 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis, the relative abundance of beneficial genus increased in the B. longum CCFM 1077 treatment group. The expression of key genes involved in cholesterol metabolism were also altered after the B. longum CCFM 1077 treatment. In conclusion, B. longum exhibits strain-specific effects in the alleviation of hypercholesterolemia, mainly due to differences in bacterial characteristics, bile salt deconjugation ability, cholesterol assimilation ability, expressions of key genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and alterations of gut microbiota.

Efficacy of Probiotic Milk Formula on Blood Lipid and Intestinal Function in Mild Hypercholesterolemic Volunteers: A Placebo-control, Randomized Clinical Trial

Several studies have reported that probiotics could modulate host lipid metabolism via altering the intestinal microbiota. Hence, the current study was aimed to assess the efficacy of a mixture of probiotic-contained milk formula (PMF) with three different bacterial strains [Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5), Lactobacillus casei (TMC), Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12)] on lipid profile and intestinal function in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Totally, 40 healthy mild hypercholesterolemic subjects (180-220 mg/dL) were randomly assigned into two groups as placebo or experimental group. All the subjects were requested to drink either PMF (experimental) or skimmed milk drink formula-placebo (30 g mixed with 200 mL of water) for 10 weeks and continued by 2 weeks of the follow-up period. Supplementation of PMF for 10 weeks significantly improved (p < 0.05) the fecal weight, fecal movement (decreased fecal gastrointestinal passing time) by improving intestinal microbiota (increasing beneficial bacterial species like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium spp.), and lag time of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Also, intake of PMF substantially reduced (p < 0.05) the levels of total cholesterol (TC; 8.1%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 10.4%) and thus showcasing its cardioprotective efficacy. PMF considerably improves gastrointestinal function by modulating fecal movement, intestinal microbiota, and decrease cholesterol and might be helpful in the management of hypercholesterolemia.

Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus plantarum K50 on Lipids in Koreans With Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Only few studies have investigated the role of probiotics in the development of obesity. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of an intake of Lactobacillus plantarum K50 (LPK) on body fat and lipid profiles in people with obesity.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial involved 81 adults with a body mass index of 25-30 kg/m² who were assigned randomly to a diet including 4 × 10⁹ colony-forming unit of LPK or a placebo. Changes in body fat, anthropometric parameters, and biomarkers of obesity were compared using a linear mixed-effect model.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, body weight, fat mass, and abdominal fat area did not change significantly in the two groups. However, total cholesterol levels decreased from 209.4 ± 34.4 mg/dL to 203.5 ± 30.9 mg/dL in the LPK group, but increased from 194.7 ± 37.5 mg/dL to 199.9 ± 30.7 mg/dL in the placebo group (P = 0.037). Similarly, triglyceride levels decreased from 135.4 ± 115.8 mg/dL to 114.5 ± 65.9 mg/dL in the LPK group, with a significant difference between groups. LPK supplementation also tended to decrease leptin levels compared with placebo. It also changed the distribution of gut microbiota significantly, with an increase in L. plantarum and a decrease in Actinobacteria, both of whose changes in abundance were correlated with changes in visceral adiposity, with borderline significance.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week consumption of LPK reduced the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly with favorable alterations in microbiota, suggesting potential benefits for controlling blood lipid profiles.

Lactobacillus attenuates progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by lowering cholesterol and steatosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to gut-microbiome. There is a paucity of research on which strains of gut microbiota affect the progression of NAFLD. This study explored the NAFLD-associated microbiome in humans and the role of Lactobacillus in the progression of NAFLD in mice.

METHODS

The gut microbiome was analyzed via next-generation sequencing in healthy people (n=37) and NAFLD patients with elevated liver enzymes (n=57). Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were separated into six groups (n=10 per group; normal, Western, and four Western diet + strains [109 colony-forming units/g for 8 weeks; L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. paracasei, and L. plantarum]). Liver/body weight ratio, liver pathology, serum analysis, and metagenomics in the mice were examined.

RESULTS

Compared to healthy subjects (1.6±4.3), NAFLD patients showed an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (25.0±29.0) and a reduced composition of Akkermansia and L. murinus (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, L. acidophilus group was associated with a significant reduction in liver/body weight ratio (5.5±0.4) compared to the Western group (6.2±0.6) (P<0.05). L. acidophilus (41.0±8.6), L. fermentum (44.3±12.6), and L. plantarum (39.0±7.6) groups showed decreased cholesterol levels compared to the Western group (85.7±8.6) (P<0.05). In comparison of steatosis, L. acidophilus (1.9±0.6), L. plantarum (2.4±0.7), and L. paracasei (2.0±0.9) groups showed significant improvement of steatosis compared to the Western group (2.6±0.5) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ingestion of Lactobacillus, such as L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, and L. plantarum, ameliorates the progression of nonalcoholic steatosis by lowering cholesterol. The use of Lactobacillus can be considered as a useful strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.

Comparison of probiotic yogurt and ordinary yogurt consumption on serum Pentraxin3, NT-proBNP, oxLDL, and ApoB100 in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nowadays, the potential beneficial effects of probiotic yogurt as a functional food has raised much interest. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the probiotic yogurt and ordinary yogurt consumption on some indices in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this randomized, triple-blind clinical trial, 90 patients with CHF were randomly allocated into two groups to take either probiotic yogurt or ordinary yogurt for 10 weeks. The serum levels of pentraxin3 (PTX3), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) were measured at the baseline and at the end of week 10. P-Value <0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Final analyses were performed on 78 patients. The levels of PTX3 and oxLDL in both the groups decreased significantly after 10 weeks, and these reductions were greater in the probiotic group, where the difference between the groups was statistically significant for oxLDL (P-value: 0.051, adjusted P-value: 0.010) but not significant for PTX3 (P-value: 0.956, adjusted P-value: 0.236). The changes in the serum NT-proBNP levels were not statistically significant between the groups (P-value: 0.948, adjusted P-value: 0.306). ApoB100 significantly decreased in the control group compared to the probiotic group and the difference between the groups was significant at first but was not significant after adjusting for the confounders (P-value: 0.004, adjusted P-value: 0.280).

CONCLUSION

The serum oxLDL significantly reduced due to probiotic yogurt consumption after 10 weeks compared to ordinary yogurt; thus, it may be useful for improving the oxidative status of CHF patients. The clinical trial registry number is IRCT20091114002709N48 (https://www.irct.ir/IRCT20091114002709N48, registered 12 March 2018).

The probiotic L. casei LC-XCAL™ improves metabolic health in a diet-induced obesity mouse model without altering the microbiome

Chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity may be a target for improvement of metabolic health. Some exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacteria have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. However, evidence for the role of EPS-producing probiotics in the management of obesity and associated conditions is scarce and the role of the microbiota is unclear. In this study, two probiotic candidates were screened for their effects on metabolic health using the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with the anti-inflammatory, EPS-producing strain L. caseiLC-XCAL™ showed significantly reduced hepatic triglycerides, hepatic total cholesterol, and fat pad weight compared to those fed a high-fat diet alone, likely as a result of reduced energy absorption from food. 16-S rRNA amplicon analysis of the fecal microbiota of these mice indicated that the altered metabolic phenotype as a result of the L. casei LC-XCAL strain administration was not associated with an overall change in the composition or inferred functional capacity of the fecal microbiota despite some abundance changes in individual taxa and functions. These findings provide evidence that specific microbial strategies can improve metabolic health independent of the microbiome and reinforce the importance of carefully selecting the most appropriate strain for specific indications by thorough screening programmes.

Inflammatory cytokines and lipid profile in children and adolescents with nephrotic syndrome receiving L. Plantarum: a randomized, controlled feasibility trial

METHODS

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the action of the Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotic as a immunomodulatory and hypolipidemic agent in dyslipidemic nephrotic children and adolescents. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in pediatric, compensated or partially compensated nephrotic syndrome and dyslipidemic subjects undergoing regular outpatient follow-up. Serum lipid and TNF-α (proinflammatory) and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) cytokine variations were evaluated. Cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

In the probiotic group there was a tendency to reduce TNF-α levels and increase IL-10 levels when compared to controls. Regarding the lipid profile, there was a decrease in serum triglyceride (6.0 mg / dL) and total cholesterol (41.5 mg / dL) levels in the probiotic group when compared to baseline levels, while in the control group there was an increase in serum triglyceride (49.5 mg / dL) and total cholesterol (8.0 mg / dL) levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that L. Plantarum showed an immunomodulatory and hypolipidemic effect in nephrotic and dyslipidemic pediatric subjects.

Lactobacillus plantarum 06CC2 reduces hepatic cholesterol levels and modulates bile acid deconjugation in Balb/c mice fed a high-cholesterol diet

Previous study suggested that dietary intake of Lactobacillus plantarum 06CC2 (LP06CC2) isolated from Mongolian dairy products showed various health beneficial effects. Here, the effect of LP06CC2 on the cholesterol metabolism in mice fed a cholesterol-loaded diet was evaluated. Cholesterol and LP06CC2 were incorporated into the AIN93G-based diet to evaluate the effect on cholesterol metabolism in Balb/c mice. Serum and liver cholesterol levels were significantly increased in mice fed a cholesterol-loaded diet whereas the LP06CC2 ingestion suppressed the increase of liver cholesterol. LP06CC2 suppressed the increase of the hepatic damage indices. The increase of the cecal content and fecal butyrate were observed in mice fed LP06CC2. The analysis of bile acids clearly showed that LP06CC2 increased their deconjugation indicating the decrease of bile acid absorption. The protein expression of hepatic Cyp7A1 was also suppressed by LP06CC2 in mice fed cholesterol. Finally, in vitro studies showed that LP06CC2 had the most potent ability to deconjugate bile acids using glycocholate among the tested probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from Mongolian dairy products. Taken together, LP06CC2 is a promising microorganism for the reduction of the cholesterol pool via modulation of bile acid deconjugation.