The anti-obesity effects of Clostridium butyricum B-3 and its impact on gut microbiota

ABSTRACT Obesity has emerged as a significant global health threat. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity properties of Clostridium butyricum B-3, a strain noted for its high butyric acid production. This strain was administered to mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) to assess its potential anti-obesity effects. Our findings indicate that three different dosages of C. butyricum B-3 significantly ( P < 0.05) mitigated excessive weight gain and ameliorated kidney and liver damage in HFD mice. A medium dose (10 7 CFU/day) of C. butyricum B-3 markedly reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HFD mice. Additionally, this dosage lowered serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Furthermore, treatment with C. butyricum B-3 enhanced the diversity and relative abundance of gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice. Notably, the gut microbiota composition of the high-dose (10 8 CFU/day) group closely resembled that of mice fed a normal diet. C. butyricum B-3 also significantly increased the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the gut. In summary, C. butyricum B-3 demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects and the ability to regulate intestinal microbiota in HFD mice. IMPORTANCE Obesity represents one of the most severe global health challenges of our time. Clostridium butyricum has recently been recognized as a next-generation probiotic with considerable potential for applications in intestinal health, metabolic diseases, and neuroprotection. Our research focused on a specific strain of C. butyricum known for its anti-obesity effects, which displayed robust capabilities in mitigating obesity and regulating intestinal flora. This strain holds significant promise for development in anti-obesity nutritional products and pharmaceuticals.