Glucose‑lowering effects of a synbiotic combination containing Pediococcus acidilactici in C. elegans and mice – published online 16/08/2023

Deyan Yavorov‑Dayliev, Fermín I. Milagro, Josune Ayo, María Oneca, Ignacio Goyache, Miguel López‑Yoldi, Paula Aranaz

In the recent past, the importance of the gut microbiota in the regulation of glucose and insulin homeostasis has been demonstrated. This has led to the emergence of probiotics and synbiotics as alternative therapies to ameliorate metabolic diseases-related disturbances, including those associated with diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and inflammation. In this issue, Yavorov-Dayliev et al (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-023-05981-w) fully characterise the glycaemia-normalising activity of a synbiotic containing Pediococcus acidilactici, oat β-glucans and chromium picolinate in both Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. The authors demonstrate that supplementation with this synbiotic counteracted diabetes-related disturbances in C. elegans following exposure to high glucose and in mice with diet-induced obesity. Specifically, the synbiotic counteracted the effect of the high glucose/diet-induced obesity by modulating the insulin–IGF-1 signalling pathway, and by ameliorating glucose tolerance, excess visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and liver damage. The authors propose that the synbiotic induced these affects by altering the intestinal microbiota, affecting the insulin signalling pathway, activating fatty acid β-oxidation and reducing the low-grade inflammation. In summary, Yavorov‑Dayliev and colleagues suggest that the synbiotic used in their study could provide an alternative strategy for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and its comorbidities.

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