Potential Antidiabetic Activities of Probiotic Strains, L. Acidophilus and L. Bulgaricus Against Fructose-Fed Hyperglycemic Rats

Background: Deregulation of the gut microbiota results in various pathological disorders such as diabetes, inflammation, cancer, dyslipidemia etc. Modulation of intestinal microbiota by probiotics may facilitate the management of a number of clinical conditions of diabetes. Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of feeding low-fat probiotic yogurt containing L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus on fructose-fed hyperglycemic rats. Yogurt containing L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus (9.5 × 109 cfu/rat/day) alone or in combination of both strains was supplied orally for 8 weeks concurrently with 20% fructose solution. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles from blood and histopathological study of liver tissues were analyzed to evaluate anti-diabetic effect. Statistical analysis was done by Graph Pad Prism software. Values at p 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Administration of L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus alone or in combination of both to hyperglycemic rats decreased serum FBG, onset of glucose intolerance, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL-cholesterol, increased HDL-cholesterol levels significantly and preserved antioxidant pool such as activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase etc. Probiotic administration also prevented/repaired the oxidative damage of liver tissues. Conclusion: In conclusion, administration of yogurt containing L. acidophilus or L. bulgaricus that balanced the intestinal microbiota can prevent or lower risks of type-2 diabetes and its related complications.