Loigolactobacillus coryniformis Lc7 reduces serum lipids and modulates gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic hamsters

Abstract:

[Background] Hyperlipidemia, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is associated with gut microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria and other probiotics can lower the blood lipid levels by regulating gut microbiota. [Objective] To investigate the effects of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis Lc7 on the serum lipid levels and gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic hamsters. [Methods] The hyperlipidemic hamster model was established with a high-fat diet and then administrated with L. coryniformis Lc7 suspension or phosphate buffered saline by gavage for 6 weeks. The serum levels of lipids and inflammatory cytokines and the pathological changes of the liver and epididymal adipose tissues in hamsters were measured. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was employed to analyze the gut microbiota in cecal contents. [Results] Oral administration of L. coryniformis Lc7 in hyperlipidemic hamsters lowered the serum levels of total cholesterol (P<0.001), triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.05) and elevated the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001). Moreover, it reduced the serum levels of interleukin-1β (P<0.05), interleukin-6 (P<0.01), and lipopolysaccharide (P<0.05) and attenuated liver tissue injury and epididymal fat accumulation induced by the high-fat diet. Furthermore, the intervention improved the diversity and structure of gut microbiota, as manifested by the decreased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota (P<0.05), increased relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Oscillibacter and Bacteroides, and decreased relative abundance of Helicobacter and Negativibacillus in hyperlipidemic hamsters. The relative abundance of Helicobacter was positively correlated with the concentration of total cholesterol (P<0.01).[Conclusion] L. coryniformis Lc7 can ameliorate lipid metabolism disorder and modulate gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic hamsters, serving as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidaemia.