Profiling the Gut Microbiota in Obese Children with Formula Feeding in Early Life and Selecting Strains against Obesity

TL;DR

This study explores how early formula feeding affects gut microbiota in obese children and identifies a bacterial strain that may help combat obesity.

Contribution

The study identifies Lactobacillus acidophilus H-68 as a novel anti-obesity strain with mechanisms involving CCK secretion and bile acid regulation.

Findings

Obese children with early formula feeding had reduced gut microbiota diversity and lower Bifidobacterium levels.

Lactobacillus acidophilus H-68 stimulated CCK secretion and regulated bile acids to suppress obesity in experiments.

H-68 reduced body weight, body fat, and liver fat in diet-induced obesity models.

Abstract

Formula feeding, obesity and the gut microbiota are closely related. The present investigation explored the profiles of the intestinal microbiota in obese children over 5 years old with formula feeding in early life. We identified functional bacteria with anti-obesity potential through in vitro and in vivo experiments, elucidating their mechanisms. The results indicated that, in the group of children over 5 years old who were fed formula in early life, obese children exhibited distinct gut microbiota, which were characterized by diminished species diversity and reduced Bifidobacterium levels compared to normal-weight children. As a result, Lactobacillus acidophilus H-68 (H-68) was isolated from the feces of the N-FF group and recognized as a promising candidate. H-68 demonstrated the ability to stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion in STC-1 cells and produce bile salt hydrolase. In vivo, H-68 promoted CCK secretion, suppressing food intake, and regulated bile acid enterohepatic circulation, leading to increased deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid levels in the ileum and liver. This regulation effectively inhibited the diet-induced body weight and body fat gain, along with the liver fat deposition. In conclusion, H-68 was recognized for its prospective anti-obesity impact, signifying an auspicious pathway for forthcoming interventions targeted at averting pediatric obesity in formula-fed children.

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