Hypocholesterolaemic action of Lactobacillus casei F0822 in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet

Elevated serum cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Probiotics may manage elevated cholesterol. The hypocholesterolaemic effects of Lactobacillus casei F0822 and its functional mechanisms were investigated in rats. The serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver total cholesterol levels significantly decreased in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet plus drinking water supplemented with viable cells of strain F0822; however, there was no significant difference in the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among the treatment groups. The hypocholesterolaemic mechanisms of strain F0822 were attributed to its ability to suppress the reabsorption of bile acids into the enterohepatic circulation though hydrolysis of conjugated bile acids in the small intestine, binding of deoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid in the large intestine, and increase in propionate:acetate ratio in the large intestine in rats. Strain F0822 may be a promising probiotic culture with potential hypocholesterolaemic action in human.