ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF NEITHER HSP65-PRODUCING NOR IL-10-PRODUCING LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS AMELIORATES OBESITY-RELATED METABOLIC DISORDERS

Obesity is associated with systemic low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Frequent consumption of diet with high contents of fat and sucrose contributes to the described lifestyle-related diseases. Many lactobacilli exert immune regulatory effects modulating innate and adaptive responses. It is well established that the gut mucosa is a privileged site for the induction of regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are able to suppress inflammatory reactions. Hsp65 (heat shock protein 65) is a protein highly expressed in inflammatory sites and IL-10 is a cytokine important for oral tolerance induction. Recombinant Lactococcus lactis that produces either HSP65 or IL-10 is reported to modulate autoimmune disease models. Herein, we tested the effects of these recombinant bacteria in the development of experimental obesity. Sixty- to eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed either control (AIN93G) or HSF (High Sugar and Fat) diet for eleven weeks. Oral treatment with either HSP65-producing or IL-10 producing L. lactis was given for five days during the seventh week of diet. A control group received oral treatment with either wild type L. lactisor medium. Mice fed HSF diet showed an increase in body weight gain, adiposity index, glycemia, total cholesterol and leptin levels as well as decreased production of IL-10 and TGF-B when compared to AIN93-fed animals. Oral treatment with either HSP65-producing or IL-10 producing L. lactis did not have any effect on these obesity signs.

Financial support: CNPq, CAPES and FAPEMIG (Brazil).