Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Q180 supplementation restores high-fat diet-induced gut dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice.
- 2026-01-23
- Journal of applied microbiology 137(2)
- Minseo Cho
- Jaeryang Chu
- Chae-Won No
- Yeon-Woo Kim
- Jiwoo Lee
- Hyunchae Joung
- Yoo Jin Kwon
- Chang Hun Shin
- Jisu Lee
- Jung-Heun Ha
- PubMed: 41574946
- DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxag021
Aims
Gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier disruption are key features of metabolic disorders associated with high-fat diet (HFD) consumption. While probiotics show promise in modulating these pathways, the role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Q180 (LPQ), formerly Lactobacillus plantarum Q180, in restoring gut microbial balance and intestinal barrier integrity remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether LPQ supplementation alleviated HFD-induced gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic endotoxemia in a mouse model.Methods and results
Male C57BL/6J mice received either a normal control diet or an HFD, with the latter administered with or without LPQ or resmetirom (positive control). Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and intestinal barrier function was assessed by fecal and serum endotoxin quantification and colonic expression of tight junction and mucin proteins. LPQ supplementation restored microbial balance, increasing short-chain fatty acid-producing genera (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Faecalibaculum) and reducing potentially pathogenic taxa. These microbial alterations were accompanied by decreased endotoxin levels, upregulation of epithelial tight junction genes (Zo-1, Ocln, and Claudin1), and downregulation of mucin genes (Muc2 and Muc4). Positive correlations were noted between specific commensal bacteria and barrier-related gene expression, suggesting a microbiota-linked mechanism supporting epithelial integrity.Conclusion
LPQ attenuated HFD-induced gut microbial imbalance and intestinal barrier dysfunction, accompanied by reduced systemic endotoxemia. These findings suggest that LPQ may serve as a microbiota-targeted intervention for gut dysbiosis-related metabolic disturbances. Further studies are warranted to validate its long-term and translational potential in humans.Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium plantarum | Improved Gut Microbiota Balance | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium plantarum | Improved Intestinal Barrier Function | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium plantarum | Reduced Metabolic Endotoxemia | Beneficial | Small |