Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 alleviated lead-induced more severe hepatic injury in obese mice, by promoting fecal lead excretion and enhancing antioxidative defense system.

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that has been intensively studied, but its toxicity in sub-healthy people remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of Pb in the obese population and validate the feasibility of a potential probiotic strain for the treatment of Pb poisoning and diet-induced obesity. Male Kunming mice were fed a high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet for six weeks, then received Pb exposure and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 supplementation for two weeks. The histopathology of the liver and colon was observed, and biochemical indicators and gene expression levels were measured. Here, we reported that Pb exposure exacerbated the existing oxidative stress and gut barrier injury in obese mice, leading to more severe Pb accumulation and hepatic inflammatory injury compared with normal diet-fed mice. It is worth noting that the P101 treatment significantly reduced Pb accumulation by promoting fecal Pb excretion and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice. After P101 treatment, obesity-related indicators were downregulated, and the hepatic injury and gut barrier disruption in mice were alleviated effectively.