Clostridium butyricum ameliorates atherosclerotic inflammation through regulation of gut microbiota.

2026-04
International immunopharmacology 174

PubMed: 41707593
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116315

Study Design

Population: Sixty male ApoE-/- mice
Methods: Sixty male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (CON), model group (MOD), C. butyricum control group (CON/CB), and C. butyricum intervention model group (MOD/CB). After 10 weeks of intervention, mice were euthanized and associated indications were investigated.

Animal Study

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with gut microbiota that plays an important role in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and immune homeostasis. Thus, targeting the modulation of gut microbitoa repesents a promising strategy for the control of AS. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) serving as a kind of probiotics has shown a variety of biological benefits, but it's impact on atherosclerosis remains poorly understood.

Methods

Sixty male ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (CON), model group (MOD), C. butyricum control group (CON/CB), and C. butyricum intervention model group (MOD/CB). After 10 weeks of intervention, mice were euthanized and associated indications were investigated.

Results

C. butyricum ameliorated dyslipidemia and attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE^-/- mice. This intervention reshaped the gut microbial community and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. These changes were accompanied by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, suppression of Th1/Th17 responses, promotion of Th2/Treg populations, and polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, while monocyte subsets remained unchanged. Mechanistically, C. butyricum inhibited the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among gut microbial composition, lipid profiles and inflammation.

Conclusion

C. butyricum intervention may exert anti-AS effects by reshaping gut homeostasis via the regulation of immune cells, providing a potential strategy for clinical treatment.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Clostridium butyricum	—	Improved Gut Microbiota Composition	Beneficial	Moderate	View source This intervention reshaped the gut microbial community and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity.
Clostridium butyricum	—	Reduced Atherosclerosis	Beneficial	Moderate	View source C. butyricum ameliorated dyslipidemia and attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice.
Clostridium butyricum	—	Reduced Inflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source These changes were accompanied by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10...