Dairy-based multi-strain probiotic community successfully mitigated obesity-related gut microbiota dysbiosis in vitro (CoMiniGut)

Introduction. Obesity is a global health concern, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. One promising strategy to combat obesity is by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis, with probiotics being a reliable intervention. However, single-strain probiotics may not effectively modulate the complex microbial communities in the gut, suggesting the need for multi-strain approaches. Gap Statement. Probiotics are known to benefit gut health; however, the efficacy of single-strain probiotics in modulating gut microbiota is limited. Multi-strain probiotic community (MSPC) may offer a more effective approach for addressing obesity-related gut dysbiosis, but its specific effects on individuals and microbial diversity require further investigation. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a dairy-origin MSPC in modulating obesity-related gut microbiota from lean and obese Pakistani volunteers using a simulated CoMiniGut model. Methodology. Gut microbiota from lean and obese volunteers were treated with MSPC in a simulated CoMiniGut system. Bacterial counts, microbial diversity ( α - and β-diversity) and microbial community composition were analysed pre- and post-treatment. The impact of MSPC on specific bacterial genera and microbial metabolites was assessed, with statistical significance determined ( P ≤0.05). Results. The effect of MSPC was individualized, reducing bacterial counts in lean 1 and lean 2 samples, while significantly increasing bacterial counts in obese 2 and obese 3 samples ( P ≤0.05). MSPC significantly improved α -diversity in lean 2, lean 3, obese 2 and obese 3 samples ( P ≤0.05). Proteobacteria decreased in the lean group and increased in the obese group post-MSPC treatment. In the lean group, pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella , Escherichia and Enterobacter were significantly reduced ( P ≤0.05), whereas beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased significantly in the obese group ( P ≤0.05). Among the selected metabolites, only butanoic acid was detected in all tested samples, with MSPC affecting metabolite concentrations and types. Conclusion. MSPC demonstrated a potential for modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in both lean and obese individuals, with effects on bacterial counts, microbial diversity and metabolite concentrations. MSPC could serve as a promising option for personalized the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity management.