Regulation of plasma lipid profile by lactobacillus fermentum (probiotic strain ME-3 DSM14241) in a randomised controlled trial of clinically healthy adults

Abstract

Background: Previous studies showed that a probiotic-rich diet may improve the plasma lipid profile and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In a randomized controlled study we tested the possibility for regulation of plasma lipid profile using a kefir that contained the antioxidative probiotic strain, Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 (DSM14241). The trial was performed in clinically healthy adults with borderline-high serum low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) and/or high serum triglyceride (TG) levels based on guidelines from the European Cardiology Society and European Atherosclerosis Society. Methods: One hundred sixty four participants meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Participants were randomised to receive 200 ml/day kefir, either with probiotic (PG; n = 71, 58 females, mean age 49.6 ± 6.5 y) or without probiotic (CG; n = 66, 58 females, mean age 49.9 ± 6.1 y). The probiotic contained 4 × 10 7 cfu/ml L. fermentum ME-3 (total 8 × 10 9 cfu/day). At 4 weeks (n = 71 PG and n = 66 CG) and at 8 weeks (n = 43 PG and n = 33 CG), we evaluated anthropologic, blood biochemical indices, and the faecal temporal persistence of the probiotic strain was assessed by real-time PCR. Results: After 4 weeks, the lipid profiles were mostly similar between groups: only the values of oxidised LDL (ox-LDL) and TG were significantly reduced (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, resp.). After 8 weeks, the PG group exhibited reductions in LDL-C (5 %, P = 0.001), ox-LDL (6 %, P < 0.0002), TG (17 %, P = 0.033). Next, the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C was decreased only in the PG (P = 0.013) while in the CG it was significantly increased (P = 0.018). After completing the trial the changes in all above listed indices were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the PG and CG groups. In faeces, the prevalence of L. fermentum ME-3 increased after 4 and 8 weeks (both P < 0.001), but the counts, determined with real-time PCR, remained constant. Conclusions: Eight weeks of consuming kefir with the antioxidative probiotic L. fermentum ME-3, reduced serum LDL-C, ox-LDL and TG values in clinically healthy volunteers with borderline-high lipid profile indices. Thus, L. fermentum ME-3 has potential to lower the risk of CVD that is tightly associated with maintenance of plasma lipid profile. This study was registered as current controlled trial http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN49744186 as ISRCTN49744186.

The use of probiotic L. fermentum ME-3 containing Reg’Activ Cholesterol supplement for 4 weeks has a positive influence on blood lipoprotein profiles and inflammatory cytokines: an open-label preliminary study

“…Our previous data from 8 weeks versus data from 4 weeks showed that consumption of LFME3 enriched kefir, but not the placebo kefir, significantly decreased the level of LDL cholesterol [34]. Next, only the probiotic kefir in 8 weeks decreased significantly the ratio of TG/HDL cholesterol.…”

Low-cost culture medium for biomass production of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potential destined to broilers

“…through epigenetic reprogramming (Shenderov, 2014). In addition, there is a high heterogeneity in the metabolic properties among species and bacterial strains (Mikelsaar et al, 2015). However, most LAB require an exogenous nitrogen source of amino acids or peptides to support cell growth (Manca de Nadra, 2007).…”

Draft Genome Sequences of Seven Limosilactobacillus fermentum Indigenously Isolated Probiotic Strains from the Artisanal Fermented Milk Product Dahi

“…L. fermentum is usually found in habitats that are nutrient rich and are associated with humans, plants, animals, and food ( 2 ). L. fermentum is considered a promising potential probiotic candidate due to its lack of antibiotic resistance genes, along with its antioxidative, antimicrobial, and cholesterol reduction properties ( 3 – 5 ). The genome of L. fermentum possesses specific genes that help it to tolerate the immune system of the host, interact with the other microbes of the gut, and colonize the host epithelium ( 6 – 8 ).…”