Cholesterol-lowering effect of Pediococcus strains isolated from mother’s milk in mice

Abstract

Purpose

The Pediococcus strains belong to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This study aims to isolate and identify the Pediococcus spp. from mother’s milk, and investigate their tolerance to low pH and bile salts, antibacterial activity, attachment to HT-29 cells and effect on cholesterol-lowering and digestive enzymes in mice.

Design/methodology/approach

Pediococcus species were isolated from mother’s milk, then tested for tolerance to acid and bile salts, their antibacterial effect and attachment to HT-29 cell line. In mice experiment, the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase in serum of mice were measured after administration of 10⁸ CFU/mL bacterial suspension.

Findings

A total of 24 Pediococcus spp. including 16 isolates of Pediococcus pentosaceus and 8 isolates of Pediococcus acidilactici were isolated. Fifteen isolates (62.5%) were able to survive in low pH and bile salt concentration. Ten isolates (41.6%) exhibited the most powerful inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. A total of four Pediococcus isolates (16.67%) showed strong attachment to HT-29 cells. In contrast to HDL-C and amylase, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were reduced and lipase was elevated significantly following administration of mother milk-derived Pediococcus isolates.

Originality/value

The Pediococcus isolates demonstrated good probiotic properties in particular cholesterol-lowering ability in mice. Thus, after more studies they can be considered as probiotic strain(s).

Citation

Abdi, M., Ghanavati, R., Lohrasbi, V. and Talebi, M. (2024), "Cholesterol-lowering effect of Pediococcus strains isolated from mother’s milk in mice", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 54 No. 6, pp. 1083-1094. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-02-2024-0042