Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: a Natural Ally in Combating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Related Metabolic Disorders

This review investigates the mechanisms, functional roles, and therapeutic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated metabolic disorders. As a widely recognized probiotic species due to its widespread use in food processing and as a natural inhabitant of human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum has garnered significant attention for its potential in metabolic regulation. Specifically, this study focuses on its capacities to alleviate insulin resistance, restore insulin secretion, and ameliorate dyslipidemia, among other metabolic disturbances. The mechanisms underlying Lactiplantibacillus plantarum's beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism are multifactorial, including modulation of gut microbiota composition, restoration of intestinal barrier function, mitigation of systemic inflammation, and potentiation of metabolic regulatory pathways. Notably, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum achieves these effects by regulating glycolytic and lipid biosynthesis, modulating intestinal hormone signaling, and influencing cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. These findings underscore the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a probiotic agent in the treatment of T2DM and related disorders. However, to fully harness its therapeutic potential, further studies are required to validate its safety and efficacy in diverse clinical settings.