title: Short communication: Effect of supplementation with Lactobacillus casei Shirota on insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and markers of endothelial function and inflammation in subjects with metabolic syndrome--a pilot study.
abstract: Based on animal studies, intake of probiotic bacteria was suggested to improve insulin sensitivity by reducing endotoxinemia and inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) over 12 wk on insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In a randomized-controlled study, 30 subjects with metabolic syndrome either received Lactobacillus casei Shirota 3 times daily for 12 wk or served as controls with standard medical therapy. Fasting blood samples were taken and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed to derive indices for insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. In addition, parameters to assess endothelial function and inflammation markers were determined. Even though the insulin sensitivity index significantly improved after 3 mo of probiotic supplementation (0.058±0.021 vs. 0.038±0.025), the change was not significantly different compared with the control group. No improvements were seen in additional indices of insulin sensitivity (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, insulin sensitivity by oral glucose tolerance test, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance) and β-cell function (first and second phase insulin secretion, and homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function). Probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) level (1,614±343 vs. 1,418±265 ng/mL). No significant changes in parameters used to assess low-grade inflammation or endothelial dysfunction were observed. Intake of LcS for 12 wk in subjects with metabolic syndrome did not improve insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, endothelial function, or inflammation markers in this trial.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Tripolt
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leber
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Blattl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eder
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wonisch
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Scharnagl
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stojakovic
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Obermayer-Pietsch
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Wascher
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Pieber
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stadlbauer
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sourij
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007780:Lacticaseibacillus casei / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*