Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probiotic in Early Pregnancy on Plasma Conjugated Bile Acids in a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

We have previously shown that probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) led to a reduced incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Here we investigate whether HN001 supplementation resulted in alterations in fasting lipids, insulin resistance, or bile acids (BAs) during pregnancy. Fasting plasma samples collected at 24–30 weeks’ gestation, from 348 women randomised at 14–16 weeks’ gestation to consume daily probiotic HN001 (n = 172) or a placebo (n = 176) were analysed for lipids, insulin, glucose and BAs. Women supplemented with HN001 had lower fasting glucose compared with placebo (p = 0.040), and lower GDM. Significant differences were found in fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein (HDL)-c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and BAs by GDM status. Lower fasting conjugated BAs were seen in women receiving HN001. A significant decrease of glycocholic acid (GCA) was found in older (age ≥ 35) women who received HN001 (p = 0.005), while GDM women showed significant reduced taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (p = 0.018). Fasting conjugated BA was positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.136, p = 0.020) and fasting insulin (r = 0.113, p = 0.036). Probiotic HN001 supplementation decreases conjugated BAs and might play a role in the improvement of glucose metabolism in women with pregnancy.

Changes in the Gut Metabolic Profile of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Rats Following Probiotic Supplementation

“…L. rhamnosus LGG and B. lactis Bb12 were used as probiotic supplements to treat GDM model rats in this study. Consistent with the findings from our previous study (Zheng et al, 2021) as well as the present study, a previous randomized controlled trial found that L. rhamnosus HN001 supplementation in early pregnancy decreased GDM prevalence and fasting conjugated bile acids, and these bile acids were positively correlated with fasting glucose and fasting insulin, suggesting that they play important roles in improving the glucose metabolism in pregnant women (Chen et al, 2021).…”

A randomised controlled trial of a probiotic and a prebiotic examining metabolic and mental health outcomes in adults with pre-diabetes

“…The lack of benefits from HN001 administration for lipid outcomes are consistent with our previous pregnancy study 48 and the PROFAST study. 33 However, the lack of effect of OBG on lipids is surprising given the strong evidence for beta glucans in improving lipids profiles, especially TC and LDL.…”