AB-kefir modulates gut microbiota and ameliorates obesity, metabolic and vascular insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

Kefir is gaining popularity worldwide as a probiotic. This study investigated the effect of AB- Kefir on body weight and metabolic and vascular insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats focusing on gut microbiota modulation. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups receiving either a normal chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks and subsequently gavaged with AB-Kefir probiotics or an equivalent volume of water for eight weeks. AB-Kefir reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and insulin levels. It also improved the metabolic insulin resistance and sensitivity and reverted the impaired insulin-induced aortic relaxation in obese rats. In addition, AB-Kefir altered the microbiota composition by reducing Actinobacteria and increasing Firmicutes - Lactobacillaceae and Ruminococcaceae . These data suggest a potential therapeutic role for AB-Kefir in attenuating the insulin resistance commonly associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders related to obesity. • A high-fat diet leads to obesity in rats, which is associated with both metabolic and vascular insulin resistance, and it also alters the composition of the gut microbiota. • AB-Kefir alleviates obesity and reduces metabolic and vascular insulin resistance in obese rats. • AB-Kefir modulates gut microbiota composition in obese rats. • AB-Kefir has the potential to manage obesity and associated metabolic and vascular complications.