Discrete changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte population abundance and increased TGF-β1 levels in obese women after supplementation with a novel probiotic formulation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the combination of 7×10^10 CFU Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), 5×10^9 CFU Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, and 40 mg octacosanol in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, in particular the influence on selected immunological parameters, obese premenopausal women received one capsule daily for three months. Methods: Cell phenotyping was performed by flow cytometry, serum TGF-β1 levels were measured using a commercial reagent, while antibody levels specific for the consumed microorganisms were measured using an in-house ELISA. Measurements were performed at two time points, at t=0 and t=1. Results: In the experimental group, a significant reduction in the proportion of CD3+CD8+ cells and CD4+CD45RO+ lymphocytes was observed after 90 days (p=0.0430 and p= 0.0429, respectively). Contrary, no significant changes in the abundance of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD56+ or CD3-CD56+ limphocytes were detected between the groups or over time. No significant difference was found in antibody levels specific to the consumed microorganisms. Elevated total TGF-β1 serum levels were detected in the intervention group at t=1 (p=0.0045), and at this time point the difference between the groups was also significant (p=0.0488). No difference in specific antibody levels was measured. Conclusions: Here we report that supplementation with a novel formulation reduced CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic cells and CD4+CD45RO+ memory T-helper cell counts, associated with low grade inflammation in the peripheral blood. We also detected an increased total serum TGF-β1, an important regulator of lean-fat body mass. The increase in TGF-β1 levels has been previously associated with probiotic consumption which should be examined with further studies