The development of probiotic treatment in obesity: a review

Abstract

Recent studies suggested that manipulation of the composition of the microbial ecosystem in the gut might be a novel approach in the treatment of obesity. Such treatment might consist of altering the composition of the microbial communities of an obese individual by administration of beneficial microorganisms, commonly known as probiotics. Here, we intend to contribute to the developmental process of probiotic treatment of human obesity. The aim is to review the evidence regarding the potential effect of probiotic strains on reduction of weight and body fat. A literature study was conducted focusing on clinical trials that examined the effect of specific microorganisms on body weight control. Analysis of the eligible articles pointed out that Lactobacillus gasseri SBT 2055, Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, and the combination of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53102 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 may reduce adiposity, body weight, and weight gain. This suggests that these microbial strains can be applied in the treatment of obesity. Furthermore, short chain fatty acid production and low grade inflammation were found as the underlying mechanisms of action that influence metabolism and affect body weight. These findings might contribute to the development of probiotic treatment of obesity. Further research should be directed to the most effective combination and dosage rate of probiotic microorganisms.

Enterosalivary nitrate metabolism and the microbiome: Intersection of microbial metabolism, nitric oxide and diet in cardiac and pulmonary vascular health

“…Functionally, L. rhamnosus mediates physiological effects in the mouth and has good adherence to saliva-coated surfaces[408,417]. It has also been linked to weight reduction, prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and attenuation of cardiac hypertrophy and post-infarction heart failure in rodents[403,418,419], and beneficial effects in obesity and metabolic syndrome in humans[405,420]. Based on these findings, it is certainly plausible that L. rhamnosus or other probiotic bacterial strains, alone or in combination, may be able to improve nitrate and nitrite signaling in both the oral cavity and the gut, thus potentially influencing PH.…”

Oral and faecal microbiota in volunteers with hypertension in a double blind, randomised placebo controlled trial with probiotics and fermented bilberries

“…Thus, it seems reasonable to investigate the potential relationship between the structure of the gut microbiota and hypertension which is another common component of the metabolic syndrome. A beneficial shift in the composition of the indigenous microbiota could be one of the possible mechanisms of action of the administered probiotics (Mekkes, Weenen, Brummer, & Claassen, 2014;Sherman, Ossa, & Johnson-Henry, 2009;Wang et al, 2015). In a previous study using a rat model , we observed that N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension was accompanied by a shift in caecal microbiota.…”

Lactobacillus casei loaded Soy Protein-Alginate Microparticles prepared by Spray-Drying

“…The probiotics have been found to be effective for a large number of gut disorders and for improving/maintaining the oral and urogenital health (2)(3)(4). Other studies have indicated protective cardiovascular effects and promising effects in cancer, brain, obesity, allergy and atopic diseases, and in combatting diseases where dysbiosis has been observed (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). However, providing and maintaining the required minimum of viable probiotic cells to exert health effects (10 7 CFU/g at a point of delivery) is a great challenge, considering their sensitivity to processing, storage and administration.…”