The effect of improved formulation of chitosan-alginate microcapsules of Bifidobacteria on serum lipid profiles in mice.

BACKGROUND

Probiotics have been associated with many beneficial effects in human digestive physiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of improved formulation of chitosan-alginate microcapsules of Bifidobacterium strains on serum triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL in mice.

METHODS

Five approved probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium were tested for anti-proliferative effect and interleukin-8 induction on HT-29 cell lines. Bifidobacterium strains plus five approved Lactobacillus were encapsulated in chitosan-alginate microcapsules and tested for its survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. These microcapsules were administered to 4 groups of mice (including 1. Bif (Bifidobacterium strains), 2. Lac (Lactobacillus strains), 3. Bif-Lac (Bifidobacterium plus Lactobacillus strains) and 4. Control) for 8 days. At eighth day, the blood of mice were taken and serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL of them were determined.

RESULTS

All of the Bifidobacterium strains significantly (P < 0.001) reduced secretion of IL-8 in HT-29 cells as well as maximum antiproliferative effects (P < 0.001). In addition, all microcapsules showed impressive survival rate in bile (>%94.1) and gastrointestinal (>%78.28) conditions (P < 0.05). Only Bif-Lac group displayed significantly lower serum cholesterol and LDL levels than control group (P < 0.05). Besides, all groups indicate statistically significant weight loss of mice during the 8 days in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the microencapsulated probiotics with alginate and chitosan had an effective mean of delivery of viable bacterial cells and non-pharmacological interventions use to reduce serum cholesterol and LDL levels in in-vivo condition.