Project description:The hypocholesterolemic effect of probiotics has been observed, but the molecular mechanism of probiotic-host interaction is still obscure. In this study, DNA microarray technology was used to explore the gene expression profile of liver of hypercholesterolemic rats caused by administration of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Zhang, which can decrease the serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride of hypercholesterolemic rats. Six liver samples in high fat and probiotic treated group (3 samples in each group) were randomly selected for RNA isolation and microarray hybridization, the 3 samples in high fat group were used as control.
Project description:Obesity and dyslipidemia are increasingly widespread. Considering gut microbiota's (GM) role in energy balance, probiotics represent a promising non-pharmacological approach. This study assessed a probiotic formulation (SF68 + phytosterols + (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid) on anthropometric, biochemical, and GM parameters, as well as gastrointestinal and general symptoms, in overweight/obese individuals with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk. Forty participants (30F, mean age 51.5 ± 11 years) were randomized to receive either the probiotic or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric data, questionnaires, and biological samples were collected pre- and post-intervention. While both groups showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements, the probiotic group showed greater reductions in waist circumference (−1.8 cm), fat mass (−1.8 kg; −1.7%), total cholesterol (−11 mg/dL), and LDL-cholesterol (−10.3 mg/dL), along with an increased HDL/LDL ratio (+0.1). Both probiotic and placebo resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c (−1.7 mmol/mol and −1.5 mmol/mol, respectively). The probiotic formulation also reduced erythrocyte ROS (−29.7%), granulocyte ROS (−28.4%), and plasma nitrite/nitrate (49.5%) and significantly increased erythrocyte glutathione (GSH; +81.9%). Gastrointestinal symptoms improved, and GM analysis showed an increased Evenness index and reduced Lachnospirales abundance after probiotic treatment. These findings suggest the multi-component probiotic formulation may support metabolic and gut health in overweight or obese individuals, although further research is warranted
Project description:Modulation of gut microbiota through probiotic supplementation is an interesting strategy to prevent obesity We use microarrays to study the global genome expression of C. elegans fed with the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis sbsp. lactis CECT 8145
