Study on intestinal survival and cholesterol metabolism of probiotics

Hypercholesterolemia drives the development of cardiovascular disease, Supplementation with probiotics that interfere with cholesterol metabolism provide a contribution to disease prevention. 54 strains with good hydrophobicity were measured bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity and cholesterol removal ability. Evaluated the strains for probiotic potential with the intestinal colonization ability and the resistance to simulated digestion subsequently. 10 strains were finally selected for further characterization. As the potential functional strains, explored their effects on the expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism and signaling pathways. 6 strains could regulate expression of Niemann-Pick Cl-like 1 (NPC1L1) through farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/liver X receptor (LXR) pathway. Among of them, 4 strains could reduce the lipid deposition of ox-LDL-induced macrophages which had the potential abilities to improve atherosclerosis. Based on lipid-lowering abilities and common characteristics of probiotics, Lactobacillus vaginalis FN3 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis Fl-7 could be taken as promising probiotic candidates for further in vivo studies and might have commercial value.