Dairy-based multi-strain probiotic community successfully mitigated obesity-related gut microbiota dysbiosis in vitro (CoMiniGut)

<b>Introduction.</b> Obesity is a global health concern, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. One promising strategy to combat obesity is by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis, with probiotics being a reliable intervention. However, single-strain probiotics may not effectively modulate the complex microbial communities in the gut, suggesting the need for multi-strain approaches.<b>Gap Statement.</b> Probiotics are known to benefit gut health; however, the efficacy of single-strain probiotics in modulating gut microbiota is limited. Multi-strain probiotic community (MSPC) may offer a more effective approach for addressing obesity-related gut dysbiosis, but its specific effects on individuals and microbial diversity require further investigation.<b>Aim.</b> This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a dairy-origin MSPC in modulating obesity-related gut microbiota from lean and obese Pakistani volunteers using a simulated CoMiniGut model.<b>Methodology.</b> Gut microbiota from lean and obese volunteers were treated with MSPC in a simulated CoMiniGut system. Bacterial counts, microbial diversity (<i>α</i>- and β-diversity) and microbial community composition were analysed pre- and post-treatment. The impact of MSPC on specific bacterial genera and microbial metabolites was assessed, with statistical significance determined (<i>P</i>≤0.05).<b>Results.</b> The effect of MSPC was individualized, reducing bacterial counts in lean 1 and lean 2 samples, while significantly increasing bacterial counts in obese 2 and obese 3 samples (<i>P</i>≤0.05). MSPC significantly improved <i>α</i>-diversity in lean 2, lean 3, obese 2 and obese 3 samples (<i>P</i>≤0.05). Proteobacteria decreased in the lean group and increased in the obese group post-MSPC treatment. In the lean group, pathogenic bacteria such as <i>Klebsiella</i>, <i>Escherichia</i> and <i>Enterobacter</i> were significantly reduced (<i>P</i>≤0.05), whereas beneficial bacteria like <i>Bifidobacterium</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> increased significantly in the obese group (<i>P</i>≤0.05). Among the selected metabolites, only butanoic acid was detected in all tested samples, with MSPC affecting metabolite concentrations and types.<b>Conclusion.</b> MSPC demonstrated a potential for modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in both lean and obese individuals, with effects on bacterial counts, microbial diversity and metabolite concentrations. MSPC could serve as a promising option for personalized the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity management.