Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum post-weaning improves the lipid profile and autonomic dysfunction in rat offspring exposed to maternal dyslipidemia

Abstract

Background: Maternal dyslipidemia alters the gut microbiota composition and contributes to the development of arterial hypertension (AH) in offspring. Here, we evaluated the effects of a new Lactobacillus fermentum probiotic formulation given post-weaning on cardiometabolic parameters and gut microbiota in male and female rat offspring from dams exposed to maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy and lactation. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 14) were fed with a control diet (CTL = 7) or a dyslipidemic diet (DLP = 7) during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male and female offspring received a standard diet up to 90 days of life. Rats were allocated into three groups: CTL group + saline solution (n = 14); DLP group + saline solution (n = 14) and DLP group receiving a probiotic cocktail (n = 14). A vehicle or probiotic formulation containing L. fermentum 139, L. fermentum 263 and L. fermentum 296 (ratio 1 : 1 : 1, 1 × 10⁹ CFU mL⁻¹) was administered daily by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Results: The intervention with the probiotic formulation of L. fermentum in male and female offspring reduced total cholesterol (TC) and increased HDL-c, but did not affect the insulin resistance induced by maternal dyslipidemia. Additionally, the male and female rats that received the probiotic formulation of L. fermentum demonstrated improvement in fecal Lactobacillus sp. counts, blood pressure and sympathetic tone, without affecting baroreflex modulation. Conclusion: The probiotic formulation containing L. fermentum improved the lipid profile and autonomic dysfunction in male and female offspring exposed to maternal dyslipidemia.