Abstract: This research was undertaken in order to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum WW on lipid profiles of hyperlipidemic rats. A total of 32 SD male rats (5 weeks old) were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control (A); high-fat diet model (B), skim milk control (C), and bacterial suspension intervention (D). The rats in group A were fed a normal diet plus sterile water, while those in the remaining groups were fed a high-fat diet plus sterile water, sterile skim milk and the bacterial suspension of this strain (1 × 1010 CFU/mL), respectively. The volume of intragastric administration was 10 mL/kg mb. After the 12-week experimental period, serum, tissue and fecal samples were collected for measurement of lipid profiles. The results showed that there was no significant difference in kidney, spleen or heart indexes among the four groups (P > 0.05). Liver index was significantly higher in group B and C than in group A and D (P < 0.05), indicating that L. plantarum WW was safe without toxic side effect and could reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. Serum and liver lipid levels in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P < 0.05), indicating that the hyperlipidemic rat model was successfully established. Compared with group B, serum and liver lipid levels in group D significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and total bile acid (TBA) in feces increased significantly (P < 0.05). Therefore, L. plantarum WW can promote the excretion of cholesterol, and consequently reduce cholesterol in rats. This strain can be used as a potential probiotic in alleviating hyperlipidemia and functional foods.

Key words: Lactobacillus plantarum WW, hyperlipidemic, rat, cholesterol-lowering effect