Postbiotic heat-killed lactobacilli modulates on body weight associated with gut microbiota in a pig model

For decades, Lactobacillus has been extensively used as beneficial probiotics because it positively effects on the intestinal health of the host and has been studying its possible serve to treat obesity as well as various diseases. This research aimed to investigate the effects of heat-killed Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain 189 (HK LS 189) supplementation on anti-obesity and gut microbiota. A total of 48 pigs were fed either a basal diet or a diet supplemented with HK LS 189 for 4 weeks. The impact of HK LS 189 supplementation on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota was revealed by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. HK LS 189 supplementation significantly decreased growth performance. Moreover, HK LS 189 supplementation altered the gut microbiota of the pigs by decreasing the proportion of Prevotella and increasing the proportion of Parabacteroides. Beta-diversity analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups. The results support the potential use of HK LS 189 for its anti-obesity effect in pigs through modulation of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we found changes in the functional pathways of the gut microbiota. The functional pathway study indicated that metabolism and lipid metabolism differed between the two groups. Our data may contribute to understanding the potential use of postbiotic supplementation with HK LS 189 for improving the anti-obesity effects.