Plain language summary
A long-term high-fat diet will not only disrupt the balance of lipid metabolism in the body and cause metabolic disorders but also lead to chronic diseases, such as hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Hyperlipidaemia is also an important contributing factor in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a mixed probiotic formulation on hyperlipidaemia, with focus on changes in patients’ gut microbiota and their metabolic potential. This study was a 3-month randomised controlled intervention trial. A total of 56 hyperlipidaemic patients were recruited and randomised into either the placebo or probiotic (receiving a mixed probiotic formulation) group. Results show that the intake of the probiotic mix effectively reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in patients with hyperlipidaemia. In fact, there was a strong association between the desirable changes in patients’ lifestyle habits and lowering of these indexes. Furthermore, although insignificant changes were observed in the lipid metabolome and gut microbiota structure, some interesting fecal bacteria and blood metabolites increased significantly after Probio-X intervention. Authors conclude that their findings show that probiotic administration is a promising approach in managing hyperlipidaemia and improving public health.
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is associated with lipid metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation in hyperlipidemic patients (n = 27 and 29 in placebo and probiotic groups, respectively). The blood lipid indexes, lipid metabolome, and fecal microbiome before and after the intervention were monitored. Our results showed that probiotic intervention could significantly decrease the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) in patients with hyperlipidemia. Probiotic recipients showing improved blood lipid profile also exhibited significant differences in their lifestyle habits after the 3-month intervention, with an increase in daily intake of vegetable and dairy products, as well as weekly exercise time (P < 0.05). Moreover, two blood lipid metabolites (namely, acetyl-carnitine and free carnitine) significantly increased after probiotic supplementation cholesterol (P < 0.05). In addition, probiotic-driven mitigation of hyperlipidemic symptoms were accompanied by increases in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in patients' fecal microbiota. These results supported that mixed probiotic application could regulate host gut microbiota balance, lipid metabolism, and lifestyle habits, through which hyperlipidemic symptoms could be alleviated. The findings of this study urge further research and development of probiotics into nutraceuticals for managing hyperlipidemia. IMPORTANCE The human gut microbiota have a potential effect on the lipid metabolism and are closely related to the disease hyperlipidemia. Our trial has demonstrated that 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation alleviates hyperlipidemic symptoms, possibly by modulation of gut microbes and host lipid metabolism. The findings of the present study provide new insights into the treatment of hyperlipidemia, mechanisms of novel therapeutic strategies, and application of probiotics-based therapy.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
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3
Allocation concealment
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Yes
