Epigenetic Aspects of a New Probiotic Concept-A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Nutraceuticals
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Metabolic Health and Obesity Research

Background:

• Altered gut microbiota is increasingly linked to obesity development.
• Probiotics show promise as a therapeutic strategy for obesity management.
• Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) play critical roles in obesity pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a novel probiotic formulation combined with octacosanol on obesity-associated miRNA and mRNA expression.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this combined approach in overweight and obese women.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 20 overweight/obese women.
• Intervention group received a daily capsule containing *Lactobacillus plantarum* 299v, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* var. *boulardii*, and 40 mg octacosanol.
• Assessment of lipid parameters, miRNA, and mRNA expression levels before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in miR-155-5p and miR-24-3p expression were observed in the intervention group compared to placebo.
• Further significant reductions in miR-155-5p, miR-125b-5p, and TNF-α mRNA expression were noted post-intervention.
• No significant changes in lipid profiles or anthropometric measurements were detected.

Conclusions:

• The novel probiotic and octacosanol combination positively modulated the expression of key miRNAs and mRNAs involved in inflammation and adipogenesis.
• This intervention offers a potential strategy for obesity control by targeting molecular pathways regulating inflammation and fat metabolism.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and clinical implications of this nutraceutical approach in obesity management.