# Microbial Biotransformation of Chicory by Bacteroides fragilis: In Vitro Implications for Obesity-Related Psoriasis

## TL;DR

This study explores how a fermented chicory extract could help treat obesity-related inflammation and psoriasis by reducing harmful molecules and improving skin health.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel phyto-postbiotic supernatant from chicory fermentation with Bacteroides fragilis that shows anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and skin-protective effects.

## Key findings

- PPS reduced reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and PBMCs.
- PPS lowered triglycerides in human adipocytes and modulated leptin and adiponectin expression.
- PPS decreased IL-6, IL-1β, and S100A7 in psoriatic keratinocytes and skin-adipose co-cultures.

## Abstract

Obesity, a global health crisis, is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and an increased risk of developing various chronic diseases, including psoriasis. Probiotics, postbiotics, and fermented foods have shown promise in combating inflammation and obesity. This study aimed to develop and characterize a chicory extract fermented with Bacteroides fragilis (C-B. fragilis) and its supernatant (phyto-postbiotic supernatant, PPS) as potential treatments for obesity, inflammation, and psoriasis. Polyphenols, organic acids, and amino acids were identified in the metabolic profile of C-B. fragilis. PPS and C-B. fragilis extract both revealed potent anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antioxidant activities. In vitro assays highlighted that PPS significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in macrophages, and the secretion of IL-1β in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. Moreover, PPS decreased triglyceride content in human adipocytes and modulated the expression of leptin and adiponectin. Regarding psoriasis, PPS reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) in both psoriatic keratinocytes and a co-culture model mimicking the skin-adipose tissue interface. In addition, PPS lowered S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) expression in the co-culture model, suggesting a potential role in restoring skin barrier function. In summary, our results highlight the potential of PPS extract (supernatant of chicory fermentation by Bacteroides fragilis) as a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of obesity-related inflammation and psoriasis.