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Anti-Atherogenic Actions of the Lab4b Consortium of Probiotics In Vitro
Victoria L O'Morain1, Jing Chen1, Sue F Plummer2
1Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
Insights
The Lab4b probiotic blend shows promise in combating atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. This study reveals its anti-atherogenic effects on key cellular processes, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Probiotic bacteria offer protective effects against inflammatory disorders, but their mechanisms remain unclear.
- The Lab4b probiotic consortium comprises four strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria found in infants.
- Atherosclerosis, a vascular inflammatory disease, has not been studied in relation to Lab4b probiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the Lab4b probiotic consortium on cellular processes relevant to atherosclerosis.
- To determine the anti-atherogenic potential of Lab4b in vitro using human monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Lab4b conditioned medium (CM) to treat human monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro.
- Assessed the impact of Lab4b CM on monocyte migration, proliferation, LDL uptake, macropinocytosis, and foam cell formation.
- Analyzed gene expression related to modified LDL uptake and cholesterol efflux in macrophages.
Main Results:
- Lab4b CM attenuated monocyte migration, proliferation, modified LDL uptake, and macropinocytosis.
- Lab4b CM induced phagocytosis and cholesterol efflux in macrophages, reducing foam cell formation.
- Gene expression analysis showed decreased uptake of modified LDL and increased cholesterol efflux pathways.
Conclusions:
- The Lab4b probiotic consortium exhibits significant anti-atherogenic properties in vitro.
- Lab4b influences key cellular mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis development and progression.
- Further in vivo studies in mouse models and clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract:
Probiotic bacteria have many protective effects against inflammatory disorders, though the mechanisms underlying their actions are poorly understood. The Lab4b consortium of probiotics contains four strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria that are reflective of the gut of newborn babies and infants. The effect of Lab4b on atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disorder of the vasculature, has not yet been determined and was investigated on key processes associated with this disease in human monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. The Lab4b conditioned medium (CM) attenuated chemokine-driven monocytic migration, monocyte/macrophage proliferation, uptake of modified LDL and macropinocytosis in macrophages together with the proliferation and platelet-derived growth factor-induced migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. The Lab4b CM also induced phagocytosis in macrophages and cholesterol efflux from macrophage-derived foam cells. The effect of Lab4b CM on macrophage foam cell formation was associated with a decrease in the expression of several key genes implicated in the uptake of modified LDL and induced expression of those involved in cholesterol efflux. These studies reveal, for the first time, several anti-atherogenic actions of Lab4b and strongly implicate further studies in mouse models of the disease in vivo and in clinical trials.
