Synergistic Effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus E24-168 and Exercise on Obesity-Related Dysfunctions and Anxiety in...

Obesity is a global health crisis associated with various metabolic and psychological dysfunctions, which requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach. This study aimed to assess the combined effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus E24-168 and exercise on obesity-related dysfunctions and anxiety in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Swiss Albino male mice were divided into five groups: control, HFD, HFD with exercise (HFD + Ex), HFD with Pediococcus pentosaceus E24-168 (HFD + PP), and HFD with both exercise and Pediococcus pentosaceus E24-168 (HFD + Ex + PP). After 35 days of treatment, behavioral tests were conducted on mice from each group, followed by biochemical and histological analyses. Results indicated that the HFD group experienced significant increases in body weight, blood glucose levels, anxiety-related behaviors, and tissue damage. The exercise-only group (HFD + Ex) and the probiotic-only group (HFD + PP) each showed moderate improvements in these areas. However, the combined intervention group (HFD + Ex + PP) exhibited the most pronounced benefits, including significant weight loss, improved biochemical markers, normalized glucose and lipid profiles, decreased liver enzyme activity, reduced anxiety behaviors, and enhanced histological outcomes. These findings suggest that the combination of Pediococcus pentosaceus E24-168 and exercise may be a highly effective therapeutic strategy for addressing metabolic and psychological dysfunctions associated with obesity.