Impact of Oral Administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain CNCM I−4459 on Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet in Mice

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that some lactobacilli strains, particularly <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i>, have a beneficial effect on obesity-associated syndromes. Several studies have investigated probiotic challenges in models of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, specifically with respect to its impact on hepatic and/or adipocyte metabolism, gut inflammation and epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota composition. However, only a few studies have combined these aspects to generate a global understanding of how probiotics exert their protective effects. Here, we used the probiotic strain <i>L. plantarum</i> CNCM I-4459 and explored its impact on a mouse model of HFD-induced obesity. Briefly, mice were administered 1 × 10⁹ CFUs/day and fed HFD for 12 weeks. Treatment with this strain improved insulin sensitivity by lowering serum levels of fasting glucose and fructosamine. Administration of the probiotic also affected the transport and metabolism of glucose, resulting in the downregulation of the hepatic <i>Glut-4</i> and <i>G6pase</i> genes. Additionally, <i>L. plantarum</i> CNCM I-4459 promoted a decreased concentration of LDL-c and modulated hepatic lipid metabolism (downregulation of <i>Fasn, Plin,</i> and <i>Cpt1α</i> genes). Probiotic treatment also restored HFD-disrupted intestinal microbial composition by increasing microbial diversity and lowering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. In conclusion, this probiotic strain represents a potential approach for at least partial restoration of the glucose sensitivity and lipid disruption that is associated with obesity.