Vital Organs Protection and Hypolipidemic Activities of Lactobacillus Species Isolated from Ogi on Rats With Imbalanced Gut Microbiota

This study investigated the protective effects of Lactobacillus species isolated from Ogi (a
traditional fermented cereal) on vital organs and lipid profiles in rats with imbalance gut
microbiota. Rats were divided into nine groups: group 4,5 and 6 are treated with antibiotics then
two strains of Lactobacillus species, group 1,2,3 are treated with two strains of Lactobacillus
species and then antibiotics while group 7 and 8 are treated with both three strains of Lactobacillus
species and antibiotics, The Lactobacillus species were isolated from Ogi and administered orally
to the rats. After 14 days, the analyses were carried out. There were significant changes in
microbial composition, with increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium
and Lactobacillus. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis showed increased production of
beneficial SCFAs, including Methyl myristoleate which ranges from 4.04 to 4.30 µg/g, Methyl
tetradecanoate 3.60 to 3.68 µg/g. Gastrointestinal health parameters were also evaluated, the
Lactobacillus-treated group showed increased gut motility with group 4 having the highest gut
motility value 2.474 ± 0.071, reduced gut transit time with group 7 having the lowest transit time
at 0.55 ± 0.31 and improved intestinal permeability with group 2,3,5,6 and 7 showing increased
permeability while 1,4,8 and 9 showing low permeability. Additionally, the Lactobacillus-treated
group demonstrated enhanced protection of vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart, as
evidenced by reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus
species isolated from Ogi may be a potential adjunct therapy for managing dyslipidemia,
protecting vital organs, and promoting gastrointestinal health in individuals with imbalance gut
microbiota.