Antibiotic Followed by a Potential Probiotic Increases Brown Adipose Tissue, Reduces Biometric Measurements, and Changes Intestinal Microbiota Phyla in Obesity

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2021 Dec;13(6):1621-1631. doi: 10.1007/s12602-021-09760-0. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Abstract

The development of adjuvant therapies for obesity treatment is justified by the high prevalence of this disease worldwide, and the relationship between obesity and intestinal microbiota is a promising target for obesity treatment. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the adjuvant treatment of obesity through the use of potential probiotics and antibiotics, either separately or sequentially. In the first phase of the experiment, animals had diet-induced obesity with consumption of a high saturated fat diet and a fructose solution. After this period, there was a reduction in caloric supply, that is the conventional treatment of obesity, and the animals were divided into 5 experimental groups: control group (G1), obese group (G2), potential probiotic group (G3), antibiotic group (G4), and antibiotic followed by potential probiotic group (G5). The adjuvant treatments lasted 4 weeks and were administered daily, via gavage: Animals in G1 and G2 received distilled water, the G3 obtained Lactobacillus gasseri LG-G12, and the G4 received ceftriaxone. The G5 received ceftriaxone for 2 weeks, followed by the offer of Lactobacillus gasseri LG-G12 for another 2 weeks. Parameters related to obesity, such as biometric measurements, food consumption, biochemical tests, histological assessments, short-chain fatty acids concentration, and composition of the intestinal microbiota, were analyzed. The treatment with caloric restriction and sequential supply of antibiotics and potential probiotics was able to reduce biometric measures, increase brown adipose tissue, and alter the intestinal microbiota phyla, standing out as a promising treatment for obesity.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Intestinal microbiota; Obesity; Probiotics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biometry
  • Ceftriaxone / therapeutic use*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Probiotics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ceftriaxone