The beneficial effects of the Lab4 probiotic consortium in atherosclerosis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of mortality world-wide, responsible for approximately one-third of all global deaths. Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of CVD, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by lipid accumulation in the arterial wall. Despite the success of current therapies, the incidence of CVD continues to rise and the search continues for alternative therapeutic agents. The Lab4, Lab4b and CUL66 probiotic consortia have been shown to possess lipid-lowering and immunomodulatory capabilities, highlighting their anti-atherogenic potential. The aim of this project was to assess the anti-atherogenic effects of Lab4, Lab4b and CUL66 probiotic consortia using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Results: Experiments using in vitro model systems demonstrated probiotic-induced attenuation of macrophage foam cell formation at the cellular and molecular levels. In addition, probiotics reduced monocyte migration, increased phagocytosis, and reduced proliferation of key atherosclerosis-associated cell types. Mice supplemented with a live combination of Lab4 and CUL66 demonstrated reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation, and an improved plasma lipid profile compared to the control. In addition, numbers of macrophages and T-cells were reduced in both the plaque and the bone marrow of probiotic-treated mice. Liver gene expression analysis revealed probiotic-induced attenuation of several key pro-atherogenic genes. Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrate many anti-atherogenic effects of Lab4, Lab4b and CUL66 probiotic consortia in both in vitro and in vivo model systems, and highlight their potential as candidates for inclusion in clinical trials and future atherosclerosis intervention strategies. Underlying mechanisms of action have also been investigated and proposed, thereby contributing to the understanding of probiotic action.