Lactobacillus plantarum prevents obesity via modulation of gut microbiota and metabolites in high-fat feeding mice

Lactobacilli are reported to reduce weight gain, the mechanism has not been well elucidated. In this study mice received either normal-chow-diet or high–fat-diet (HFD), and drinking water with or without addition of Lactobacillus plantarums HT121 for 11 weeks. We found that HT121 decreased the body weight and improved glucose tolerance in high-fat fed mice. ELISA analysis showed HT121 decreased levels of LPS and inflammatory cytokines in serum, and increased short chain acids levels in feces. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated HT121 restored Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, PCOA, major phyla, genera of Akkermansia, lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus changed by HFD to the levels of normal group. Untargeted metabolomics analysis indicated HT121 reversed the levels of discriminant metabolites in liver, such as taurine, isoleucine, L-phenylalanine, methionine, and spermidine changed by HFD. Our results provide a new insight in prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.