Lactiplantibacillus plantarumP101 alleviated lead-induced more severe hepatic injury in obese mice, by promoting fecal lead excretion and enhancing antioxidative defense system

AIMS: Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that has been intensively studied, but its toxicity in sub-healthy people remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of Pb in the obese population and validate the feasibility of a potential probiotic strain for the treatment of Pb poisoning and diet-induced obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Kunming mice were fed a high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet for 6 weeks, then received Pb exposure and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 supplementation for 2 weeks. The histopathology of the liver and colon was observed, and biochemical indicators and gene expression levels were measured. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we reported that Pb exposure exacerbated the existing oxidative stress and gut barrier injury in obese mice, leading to more severe Pb accumulation, and hepatic inflammatory injury compared with normal diet-fed mice. It is worth noting that the P101 treatment significantly reduced Pb accumulation by promoting fecal Pb excretion and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice. After P101 treatment, obesity-related indicators were downregulated, and the hepatic injury and gut barrier disruption in mice were alleviated effectively.