Influence of supplementation with iron and probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus on selected parameters of inflammatory state in rats on a high-fat iron-deficient diet.

BACKGROUND: A high-fat (HF) diet, diet iron deficiency and iron supplementation may affect inflammatory parameters. Probiotics influence both iron metabolism and inflammation. We compared the inflammatory state in rats on a HF iron-deficient diet receiving oral iron, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus in different combinations. METHODS: This was a two-stage experiment. In groups C (n = 8) and HF (n = 8), rats ate a control or HF diet, respectively, for 16 weeks. In the group HFDEF (n = 48), rats ate a HF iron-deficient diet for 8 weeks (first stage) and were subsequently divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) receiving the following for a further 8 weeks (second stage): HFDEF - a HF iron-deficient diet; HFDEFFe - a HF iron-deficient diet with iron; HFDEFLp and HFDEFLc - a HF iron-deficient diet with L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively; and HFDEFFeLp and HFDEFFeLc - a HF iron-deficient diet with iron and L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively. Body composition analysis and blood sampling was performed. Markers of iron status and levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in the blood. RESULTS: TAS was higher in the HFDEF group (756.57 ± 489.53 ng mL-1) versus the HFDEFLc group (187.04 ± 47.84 ng mL-1; P = 0.022). No more differences were found between groups, or in TAS, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Also, no differences were found between groups for alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, glucose, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. TAS level was positively correlated with ferritin concentration, IL-6 with TAS and TNF-α with hepcidin level. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with L. plantarum, L. curvatus and iron in combinations exerts no influence on inflammatory status, lipid profile, hepatic function and serum fasting glucose in rats on a HF iron-deficient diet. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The impact of soy products, isoflavones, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on iron status and morphological parameters in healthy female rats.

BACKGROUND: Isoflavones and probiotics are two major factors involved in bone health. Osteoporosis and disturbances in iron (Fe) levels are common health problems in aging women. This study aimed to analyze how soybean products, daidzein, genistein, and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) affect Fe status and blood morphological parameters in healthy female rats. METHODS: A total of 48 Wistar rats aged 3 months were randomly divided into six groups. The control group (K) received a standard diet (AIN 93 M). The remaining five groups received a standard diet supplemented with the following: tempeh flour (TP); soy flour (RS); daidzein and genistein (DG); Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM20079 (LA); as well as a combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus DSM20079 (DGLA). After 8 weeks of intervention, blood samples of the rats were collected for morphological analysis, whereas tissue samples were collected and kept at -80 °C until Fe analysis. Red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelets (PLTs), red cell distribution width, white blood cells, neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes, eosinophils (EOS), and basophils were measured for blood morphological analysis. Fe concentrations were determined using flame atomic spectrometry. For statistical analysis, an ANOVA test for significance at the 5 % level was used. The relationship between tissue Fe levels and blood morphological parameters was determined using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Although no significant differences were observed in the Fe content between all diets, the TP group showed significantly higher levels of NEUT and lower levels of LYM than the control group. Compared with the DG and DGLA groups, the TP group showed a dramatically higher PLT level. In addition, the RS group showed significantly higher Fe concentrations in the spleen compared with the standard diet. Compared with the DG, LA, and DGLA groups, the RS group also showed significantly higher Fe concentrations in the liver. Compared with the TP, DG, LA, and DGLA groups, the RS group showed dramatically higher Fe concentrations in the femur. Pearson's correlations between blood morphological parameters and Fe levels in tissues were observed, especially a negative correlation between the Fe level in the femur and the NEUT concentration (-0.465) and a strong positive correlation between the Fe level in the femur and the LYM concentration (0.533). CONCLUSION: Soybean flour was found to increase Fe levels in rats, whereas tempeh may alter anti-inflammatory blood parameters. Isoflavones and probiotics did not affect Fe status in healthy female rats.

Interrelationship between Vitamin D and Calcium in Obesity and Its Comorbid Conditions.

Obesity has been linked to vitamin D (VD) deficiency and low calcium (CAL) status. In the last decade, dietary supplementation of vitamin D and calcium (VD-CAL) have been extensively studied in animal experiments and human studies. However, the physiological mechanisms remain unknown as to whether the VD-CAL axis improves homeostasis and reduces biomarkers in regulating obesity and other metabolic diseases directly or indirectly. This review sought to investigate their connections. This topic was examined in scientific databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from 2011 to 2021, and 87 articles were generated for interpretation. Mechanistically, VD-CAL regulates from the organs to the blood, influencing insulin, lipids, hormone, cell, and inflammatory functions in obesity and its comorbidities, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, previous research has not consistently shown that simultaneous VD-CAL supplementation affects weight loss or reduces fat content. This discrepancy may be influenced by population age and diversity, ethnicity, and geographical location, and also by degree of obesity and applied doses. Therefore, a larger prospective cohort and randomised trials are needed to determine the exact role of VD-CAL and their interrelationship.

Dietary supplements in therapy to support weight reduction in obese patients.

Obesity is a pandemic disease that poses a serious problem for the entire world population. Preventative and non-pharmacological treatments for obesity include changing eating habits and increasing physical activity. The use of certain dietary supplements also brings beneficial results in the process of reducing excess body weight. There are many options for the treatment of obesity available on the pharmaceutical market. This study aims to review the latest publications on selected dietary supplements in the treatment of excess body weight. Dietary supplements which support a reduction in excess body weight include capsaicin, bitter orange, white bean seeds, green coffee, berberine, and single and multi-strain probiotics. Some of these supplements have additional health benefits. Bitter orange has antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties. Berberine improves lipid metabolism and reduces blood glucose levels. Capsaicin has found application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Supplements that do not significantly reduce body weight are chitosan and vitamin D. Chitosan can reduce blood pressure, while vitamin D improves the sensitivity of tissue to insulin. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers. Dietary supplements with beneficial effects which support a reduction in excess body weight can be used in the treatment of both obesity and its complications.

The Impact of Multispecies Probiotics on Calcium and Magnesium Status in Healthy Male Rats.

Although probiotics have been discovered in numerous diseases in the last decade, there is little consensus on the relationship between probiotic properties and minerals balance and their distribution in the organism. This research aimed to evaluate the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) status in rats on a diet containing multispecies probiotics. Thirty male 10-week-old Wistar rats were selected and divided into three groups (n = 10 rats)-a group fed a standard diet (C), a group fed a low-dose of multispecies probiotics with 2.5 × 109 CFU per day (LD), and a group fed high-dose of multispecies probiotics 1 × 1010 CFU per day (HD) for 6 weeks. The results revealed that HD intake significantly increased the Ca concentration in hair and Mg concentration in femur bones. A significant positive correlation was found between calcium and magnesium levels in hair. The Ca/Mg molar ratio was lower in testicles in the groups with probiotics. In conclusion, multispecies probiotics altered the Ca concentration in hair and Mg level in femur bone, and also changed the molar ratio of these elements in testicles in male rats.

Influence of multistrain probiotic and iron supplementation on iron status in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of multistrain probiotics on iron (Fe) metabolism under Fe-deficient diet conditions remains unknown. The study aimed to compare the effect of 6 weeks simultaneous and exclusive oral multistrain probiotic and iron supplementation on selected parameters of Fe metabolism in rats on an Fe-deficient diet. METHODS: Forty rats were assigned to five groups, with eight animals in each, and for 6 weeks received: the CC group- a standard diet, the DD group- an Fe-deficient diet, the DPB group- an Fe-deficient with a multispecies probiotic, the DFE group- an Fe-deficient diet supplemented with iron, the DPBFE group- an Fe-deficient diet with iron and a multispecies probiotic. The Fe content in blood and tissues; serum concentration of erythroferrone, ferritin (Ft), homocysteine, hepcidin (HEPC) and lactoferrin; liver content of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) and 2 (TfR2) and ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) and faecal microbiota were assessed. RESULTS: In DPBFE group, unlike in DPB and DFE groups, duodenal Fe content was higher compared to DD group. Similarly, serum Ft level was higher in DPBFE group, but not in DPB and DFE groups, compared to DD group. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks simultaneous oral multistrain probiotic and Fe supplementation, but not exclusive probiotic or Fe intake, increases duodenal Fe absorption in rats and presents higher effectiveness in increasing tissue Fe stores.

Calcium-Enriched Pumpkin Affects Serum Leptin Levels and Fat Content in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

Because the world's population is deficient in dietary calcium, it is important to search for new sources of this essential mineral for the bones and the entire body. One of the innovative foods that could act as such a source is pumpkin enriched with calcium lactate by means of osmotic dehydration. Providing the body with easily absorbable calcium may have beneficial effects on the reconstruction of bone tissue. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with body weight and fat mass gain, and the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consuming enriched pumpkin on the levels of adipokines and cytokines produced by the adipose tissue. This study was conducted on 12-month-old female Wistar rats that received nutritional intervention for 12 weeks. After termination of the rats, the levels of leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 31 and interleukin 33 in serum and adipose tissue were determined, and the femurs were examined histopathologically. It was demonstrated that calcium-enriched pumpkin reduced bone marrow femoral adipocytes and also markedly decreased serum leptin levels in groups of rats after ovariectomy, which was associated with a decrease of fat content. Additionally, it seems that calcium-enriched pumpkin may reduce body weight gain often observed after menopause.

The effects of folate and iron deficiency followed by supplementation on blood morphology and inflammation biomarkers in rats.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relation between iron and folic acid (FA) supplementation and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of iron and folate deficiency and supplementation on blood morphology parameters, and to assess the role of iron and folate transporters in inflammation. METHODS: A four-week period of FA and iron deficiency in Wistar rats was followed by randomization into a group fed with a diet deficient in FA and supplemented with Fe (DFE), a group fed a diet deficient in Fe and supplemented with FA (DFOL), a group fed a diet supplemented with Fe and FA (FEFOL), a group fed a diet deficient in Fe and FA (D), and a group fed a control diet (C). The blood Crp concentration and blood count were determined. The expression of SLC11A2, SLC46A1, SLC19A1, and TFR2 proteins was assessed using the western blot method. RESULTS: After ten days on the experimental diets, the rats in the DFOL group had a 21% higher concentration of white blood cells (WBC) than the FEFOL group did (p < 0.05). We did not observe any differences between the groups in terms of C-reactive protein (Crp) concentration. We also did not find any other differences between the groups in other morphological parameters. Analysis of the correlation between blood count parameters and the expression of iron and folate transporters gave conflicting results. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, iron and folate supplementation may affect WBC concentration in the blood.

Effect of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation on the Level of Essential and Toxic Elements in Young Women.

Although simultaneous supplementation of iron and folic acid is justified, the potential interactions between these micronutrients and other elements are poorly known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of iron and folic acid supplementation on the levels of selected essential and toxic elements in the serum of micronutrient-deficient young women. A total of 40 women participated in this study and were divided into two groups: study group (n = 23) (with iron and folate deficiency) and control group (n = 17). The study group received iron and folic acid supplements for 3 months. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the completion of the study period. Women completed a 3-day food intake record. We calculated the body mass index (BMI) of all the participants. Cellular morphology was analyzed in whole blood, and biochemical parameters were determined in serum. Elements were measured in serum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). According to our results, in the case of the study group, the supplementation of iron and folic acid restored their levels; however, it caused a significant decrease in the level of zinc, calcium, and magnesium. In the case of the control group, at the end of the study period, there was a marked decrease in the level of iron. Interestingly, there was an increase in the level of arsenic and vanadium in both groups. In conclusion, simultaneous supplementation of iron and folic acid impairs the level of zinc, calcium, and magnesium in women of childbearing age.

The effect of Plantago major supplementation on leptin and VEGF-A serum levels, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women - a randomised trial.

Obesity is associated with increased serum leptin level, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis. In vitro studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis is increased by leptin. Animal studies revealed the effectiveness of Plantago supplementation treatment of obesity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of Plantago major supplementation on serum leptin and VEGF blood concentration, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women. Seventy-two obese women received oral Plantago major supplement (Plantago group, n = 35) or placebo (placebo group, n = 37) for 12 weeks. At baseline and after completion, anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed, and blood samples were collected. Serum concentrations of leptin, VEGF-A, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor α and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule have been determined. At completion, the leptin level was higher in the Plantago group (39 781.55 ± 20 360.73 pg ml-1) compared to both the baseline (36 138.71 ± 25 401.51 pg ml-1) and placebo group (30 502.81 ± 19 003.18 pg ml-1). Also, leptin concentration in the Plantago group at completion correlated positively with an increase in VEGF-A level (R = 0.45), and baseline VEGF-A level correlated negatively with the increase in leptin concentration (R = -0.47). Plantago major supplementation increases leptin serum level, enhances leptin influence on VEGF-A serum level increase and by this mechanism may intensify endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women.

Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Affects Mineral Status in Female Rats with a Deficiency of These Micronutrients.

Supplementation with iron and folic acid is widely recommended in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy; however, the effect of such supplementation on mineral status is not well-known. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oral iron and folic acid, administered together and separately, on copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in the tissues of rats with a deficiency of both these micronutrients. The experiment was performed on 8-week-old female Wistar rats. In the first stage of the experiment, the animals were randomly assigned to a control group of rats fed the standard diet (AIN-93 M), and to a study group of rats fed a diet deficient in iron and folate. The study group was then randomly divided to four groups: group D was fed a deficit diet, group FE was fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate, the FOL group was fed a deficit diet with folate acid, and the FEFOL group was fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate and folate acid. After 2, 10, and 21 days of the intervention, ten animals from each group were killed. Mineral concentrations were assayed in the liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, and kidneys using atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 12.0 with the ANOVA test (p < 0.05). It was found that separate supplementation with iron and folic acid significantly decreased copper concentrations in tissues. The deficit in iron and folic acid decreased, and their simultaneous supplementation increased calcium content in the organs. Separate and simultaneous supplementation decreased magnesium status in deficient rats. In conclusion, iron and folic acid, supplemented separately or simultaneously, affect the copper, calcium, and magnesium level in tissues.

A Comparative Study of the Bioavailability of Fe, Cu and Zn from Gluten-Free Breads Enriched with Natural and Synthetic Additives.

The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability of iron, copper and zinc from newly designed gluten-free breads enriched with natural and synthetic additives. The study was conducted on rats with induced Fe, Cu and Zn deficiency. The nutritional intervention with diets supplemented with a 70% addition of gluten-free breads enriched with natural additives and organic compounds to the control diet AIN-93M lasted 40 days. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized, the organs were collected and their mineral content was measured. Chemical analysis of diets with the addition of fortified gluten-free breads showed significantly higher amounts of iron, zinc and copper in diets with the addition of fortified breads compared to diets with the addition of unenriched breads. The type of additives did not influence the amount of minerals in diets. It is necessary to conduct further research to explain the interactions of ingredients and the factors affecting the bioavailability of Fe, Cu and Zn from gluten-free breads in order to obtain a product with a high bioavailability of these ingredients.

Role of Slc19a1 and Tfr2 in liver transport of iron and folate: A rat model of folate/iron deficiency followed by supplementation.

The aim of this study was to determine how folate and iron deficiency, and the subsequent supplementation of rats' diet with these nutrients, affects Slc19a1and Tfr2 gene expression and the metabolism of folate and iron. After 28 days of iron-folate deficiency 150 female rats were randomized into five experimental groups receiving a diet deficient in folic acid (FA), an iron-supplemented diet (DFE), an iron-deficient diet supplemented with FA (DFOL), a diet supplemented with iron and FA (FEFOL), and a diet deficient in iron and FA (D); there was also a control group (C). Samples were collected on days 2, 10, and 21 of the experiment. After two days of supplementation, Tfr2 mRNA level were 78 % lower in the DFE group than in the C group (p < 0.05); after 10 days, TfR2 levels in the FEFOL group were 82 % lower than in the C and the DFE group (p < 0.01). However, we did not find any differences at the protein level at any time-point. Hepcidin concentrations were higher in the DFE and the DFEFOL groups than in the D group after 21 days of supplementation (p < 0.01). Transcript and protein abundance of Slc19a1 gene did not differ between the groups at any time-point. Iron metabolism was affected by iron and folate deficiency and subsequent supplementation with these micronutrients, but TFR2 protein was not involved in the regulatory mechanism. Hepcidin expression can be are upregulated after 21 days of supplementation with 150 mg of iron/ kg of diet.

Hepcidin and Erythroferrone Correlate with Hepatic Iron Transporters in Rats Supplemented with Multispecies Probiotics.

The influence of probiotic supplementation on iron metabolism remains poorly investigated. However, a range of studies, especially on Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp229v), have indicated a possible positive impact of probiotics on iron absorption. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of multistrain probiotic supply on iron balance. Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: placebo (KK group), and multistrain probiotic per os in a daily dose of 2.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) (PA group) or 1 × 1010 CFU (PB group). Multistrain probiotic consisted of nine bacterial strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, B. lactis W51, B. lactis W52, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, L. brevis W63, L. casei W56, L. salivarius W24, Lactococcus lactis W19, and Lc. lactis W58, in equal proportions. After six weeks, blood and organ samples were collected. No differences were found between the three groups in terms of serum concentrations of hepcidin (HEPC), lactoferrin (LTF), homocysteine (HCY), ferritin (Ft), or erythroferrone (ErFe), or in liver content of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptors 1 and 2 (TfR), or ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) proteins. In the overall sample, positive correlations were noted between the serum concentrations of hepcidin and lactoferrin, and hepcidin and ferritin; serum concentration of hepcidin and DMT1 and TfR1 in the liver; and serum concentration of erythroferrone and TfR2 in the liver. The correlations of serum hepcidin and erythroferrone with liver DMT1 and TfR represent significant mechanisms of Fe homeostasis. Our study has shown that multistrain probiotic supplementation used in the experiment did not disrupt the biochemical and hepatic regulatory processes of Fe balance and did not demonstrate significant influence on selected parameters of Fe metabolism.

Folic Acid Affects Iron Status in Female Rats with Deficiency of These Micronutrients.

Although simultaneous supplementation with iron and folic acid is justified, the potential interactions between these micronutrients are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oral iron and folic acid, administered together or separately, on iron concentration in tissues in rats with a deficiency of both these micronutrients. In the first stage of the experiment (28 days), 150 8-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group (C; n = 30) fed the standard diet and to a study group (n = 120) fed a diet deficit in iron and folate. The study group was then randomly divided to four groups: D group fed a deficit diet, FE group fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate, the FOL group fed a deficit diet with folate acid, and the FEFOL group fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate and folate acid. After 2, 10, and 21 days of supplementation, ten animals from each group were killed. Morphological parameters were measured in whole blood. Iron concentration was assayed in serum, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, and kidneys. Folic acid supplementation more significantly decreased iron concentrations in the pancreas and spleen than in the D group after 10 and 21 days of supplementation. Moreover, the combination of iron with folic acid markedly decreased iron levels in the liver and spleen, in comparison with iron alone, after 10 and 21 days of the experiment. In conclusion, folic acid affects iron status in female rats deficient in these micronutrients in moderate and long-term supplementation.

Safeness of Diets Based on Gluten-Free Buckwheat Bread Enriched with Seeds and Nuts-Effect on Oxidative and Biochemical Parameters in Rat Serum.

Buckwheat breads enriched with seeds (e.g., poppy, carum, amaranth, sunflower, and pumpkin) and nuts can be excellent sources of selected macro- and microelements and bioactive components, such as phenolics, essential oils, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins; however, no studies described their impacts on body biochemical parameters and antioxidant status. The aim of this study was to a determine the safety (the analyses of blood morphological and biochemical parameters) of short-term diets based on buckwheat breads supplemented with the commonly used functional ingredients. Additionally, we confirmed the usefulness of these fortified breads in a reduction of blood cholesterol and triacylglycerols, as well as an improvement of in vivo antioxidant status of Wistar rats. Enriched breads presented an increased phenolic content; however, it has not been translated into an elevation of antioxidant capacities. During short-term in vivo experiments, the studied breads increased the body mass of the rats, except the control buckwheat bread. Compared to the control, the poppy-milk bread markedly lowered (-23%) and egg yolk-carum bread significantly increased (+17%) the total cholesterol concentration in serum. All the fortified breads decreased triacylglycerols' levels by about 50%. Bread enriched with the poppy-milk, milk-seed, egg yolk-carum, and a mix of additives decreased superoxide dismutase activity by 68%, 66%, 73%, and 71%, respectively. Catalase activity was significantly decreased in the rats fed with carum bread (-62%) and markedly increased in the groups fed with egg yolk-carum bread (+89%), hazel nuts-amaranth bread (+72%), and milk-seeds bread (+65%). The results confirmed the usefulness and safety of functional additives in buckwheat breads.

The effect of multistrain probiotic supplementation in two doses on iron metabolism in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized trial.

Obesity leads to detrimental abnormalities of iron (Fe) metabolism. So far, studies have shown that single-strain probiotic supplementation ameliorates the gut microbiota quality disrupted in the obese and improves Fe homeostasis. The effect of multistrain probiotic supplementation and its dose-dependence in obese postmenopausal women remain unknown. The study aimed to investigate the effect of multistrain probiotic supplementation in two doses on selected parameters of Fe metabolism in obese postmenopausal female patients. Three groups of obese postmenopausal women, 30 subjects each, received nine-strain oral probiotic supplement at a daily dose of 2.5 × 109 CFU (LD group), 1 × 1010 CFU (HD group), or placebo for 12 weeks (ClinicalTrails.gov no: NCT03100162). After the intervention, the hair Fe content was lower in both supplemented groups compared to the baseline, the serum zinc (Zn) concentration was higher in the LD group and lower in the HD group vs. the baseline, and the serum erythroferrone (FAM) concentration was lower in the HD group and serum ferritin (FE) concentration was higher in the LD group vs. the baseline. In the whole study population after the completion of the intervention hair Zn correlated positively with serum HEPC and FAM and negatively with serum FE. Hair Fe correlated negatively with serum FE. It is concluded that multistrain probiotic supplementation may influence iron metabolism in obese postmenopausal female patients.

The Effect of Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation on Iron Status in Rats.

A range of interactions between gut microbiota and iron (Fe) metabolism is described. Oral probiotics ameliorate host's iron status. However, this has been proven for single-strain probiotic supplements. Dose-dependence of beneficial probiotic supplementation effect on iron turnover remains unexplored. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of oral multispecies probiotic supplementation in two doses on iron status in rats. Thirty rats were randomized into three groups receiving multispecies probiotic supplement at a daily dose of 2.5 × 109 CFU (PA group, n = 10) and 1 × 1010 CFU (PB group, n = 10) or placebo (KK group, n = 10). After 6 weeks, rats were sacrificed for analysis, blood samples, and organs (the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, femur, testicles, duodenum, and hair) were collected. The total fecal bacteria content was higher in the PB group vs. PA group. Unsaturated iron-binding capacity was higher in the PB group vs. KK group. Serum Fe was lower in both PA and PB vs. KK group. Iron content in the liver was higher in the PB group vs. KK group; in the pancreas, this was higher in the PB group vs. the KK and PA group, and in the duodenum, it was higher in both supplemented groups vs. the KK group. A range of alterations in zinc and copper status and correlations between analyzed parameters were found. Oral multispecies probiotic supplementation exerts dose-independent and beneficial effect on iron bioavailability and duodenal iron absorption in the rat model, induces a dose-independent iron shift from serum and intensifies dose-dependent pancreatic and liver iron uptake.

Effect of probiotic supplementation on liver function and lipid status in rats.

BACKGROUND: High gut microflora quality plays a crucial role in cardiovascular protection and undisturbed liver function. Currently, the most effective methods to ameliorate gut microbiota influence on the host’s cardiovascular health state are investigated. Next to low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and low non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) serum levels, triglycerides (TG) seem to be a new goal of cardioprotective treatment and prevention. Moreover, it has been documented that high serum alanine transaminase (ALT) is a reliable marker of cardiovascular risk. Probiotics are a well proven factor decreasing blood LDL and total cholesterol (TCH) concentrations. However, the effect of probiotics on serum TG and ALT levels remains underinvestigated. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 6-week-long supplementation with     a multispecies probiotic mixture in two doses on body mass, liver function and lipid profile in the rat model. METHODS: Thirty ‘Wistar’ rats were randomly divided into the control group – KK, a group receiving a probiotic in a daily dose of 2.5×109 CFU (PA) and a group receiving a probiotic in a daily dose of 1×1010 CFU (PB) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks body mass, liver mass, serum concentrations of TCH, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), TG, ALT and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined. RESULTS: Neither at baseline nor at the end of the experiment were there any differences in the body mass  of rats between all three groups. At the completion of the study the liver mass of the rats was significantly lower in the PA and PB vs. KK group. In group PB a significantly lower serum concentration of TG and ALT compared to the KK group was registered at the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Six-week-long supplementation with multispecies probiotic mixture exerts a favorable and dose-dependent effect on liver function and lipid profile in the rat model and may also have a favorable influ- ence on cardiovascular impairments. Thus, the inclusion of probiotics supplementation in cardiovascular risk management should be considered.