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Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 provides cardioprotection via mitigating cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in
Chanisa Thonusin1,2,3, Titikorn Chunchai2,3, Parameth Thiennimitr4,5
1Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|June 17, 2026
Summary
The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5, in both live and heat-killed forms, improved cardiac function in obese rats. This beneficial effect was linked to enhanced mitochondrial health and reduced oxidative stress in the heart.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Obesity-induced cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cardiovascular diseases.
- Gut microbiota modulation, particularly with probiotics, shows promise for managing obesity-related health issues.
- The specific impact of Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 on cardiac mitochondria in obesity remained unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 on cardiac mitochondrial function in a rat model of diet-induced obesity.
- To evaluate whether live or heat-killed forms of the probiotic offer therapeutic benefits.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat and high-calorie diet (HFCD) for 24 weeks.
- HFCD-fed rats received either vehicle, live Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5, or heat-killed Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 from week 13 to 24.
- Cardiac function, body weight, insulin resistance, and cardiac mitochondrial parameters were assessed.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 treatment, in both forms, reduced body weight and attenuated insulin resistance in obese rats.
- Cardiac function, mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, substrate utilization, ATP production, and oxidative phosphorylation were improved.
- Oxidative stress was diminished, and the antioxidative capacity of cardiac mitochondria was restored.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical findings demonstrate that Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5, in both live and heat-killed forms, alleviates obesity-induced cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction.
- This probiotic offers a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating cardiovascular complications associated with obesity.
