Lactobacillus johnsonii BFE6154 Ameliorates Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Probiotics offer potential health benefits, including cholesterol management.
• Lactobacillus johnsonii BFE6154's cholesterol-lowering effects require in vivo validation.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of probiotic-mediated cholesterol regulation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cholesterol-lowering properties of Lactobacillus johnsonii BFE6154.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its effect on cholesterol metabolism.
• To evaluate its efficacy in a mouse model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using Caco-2 and HepG2 cells to assess gene expression changes.
• In vivo studies involving oral administration of L. johnsonii BFE6154 to hypercholesterolemic mice.
• Analysis of blood, liver, and fecal cholesterol levels, and gene expression of key cholesterol regulators (NPC1L1, LXR, LDLR).

Main Results:

• L. johnsonii BFE6154 downregulated NPC1L1 expression via LXR activation in intestinal cells.
• Its metabolites increased LDLR expression in liver cells.
• In mice, it reduced total and LDL cholesterol, increased HDL cholesterol, suppressed cholesterol absorption, and improved hepatic cholesterol levels.
• Increased cholesterol excretion was observed in feces.

Conclusions:

• L. johnsonii BFE6154 demonstrates significant cholesterol-lowering effects in vivo.
• It regulates cholesterol metabolism by modulating NPC1L1 and LDLR expression in the intestine and liver.
• This probiotic offers a potential strategy for managing diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.